Switch 2 Permanent Bans Are Truly Final — Even Nintendo Can’t Reverse Them, Says User ‘Twink Link’

A Nintendo Switch 2 owner recently ran into a big problem when their console got permanently banned because of a username issue. The user, who goes by Twink Link, shared what happened on Reddit, explaining that the ban stopped them from using any online features on their Switch 2.

This meant no playing multiplayer games, no access to the eShop, and no way to buy or download games digitally.

The trouble started because the owner lets their whole family use the same Switch 2. Somehow, the sister’s username changed to Twink Link. For fans of the Zelda series, Link is sometimes called a “twink,” especially in Breath of the Wild.

The family was really excited to play Breath of the Wild together, but the ban ruined all their fun.

When Twink Link reached out to Nintendo support, they got a surprising response. The support team reportedly found the situation funny but made it clear that “Permanent system bans cannot be revoked by Nintendo at all.”

They told the player to return the banned console and use cloud backups to keep their saved games. Twink Link didn’t like this advice, worrying that if they returned the console to a store like GameStop, someone else might buy it but wouldn’t be able to use the digital games since the console was banned.

This advice shocked many people because it means banned consoles don’t get refunded, and second-hand banned consoles might become a problem for buyers. Twink Link warned others to be careful with their usernames on the Switch 2.

Later, the player posted an update with better news: “Nintendo is actively working to resolve the issue in question and my console is being unbanned. It wasn’t the username that caused the issue like the initial support agent claimed rather it was flagged by accident and as such they are working to fix it.”

This story shows how serious and final a permanent ban on the Switch 2 can feel. But it also shows that sometimes mistakes happen, and bans can be put in place by accident. For now, Twink Link’s experience is a good reminder to watch your usernames carefully and keep an eye out for any news from Nintendo.

If you have thoughts or experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment below.