Summary:
- Hackers found a user-level exploit on Nintendo Switch 2 just one day after its launch.
- The exploit allows basic custom code but doesn’t allow piracy or full control.
- The exploit shows that the system isn’t fully secured. Past Nintendo consoles had a similar issues which lead to bigger problems
- Nintendo is expected to release a security patch immediately, especially with Splatoon 3 bugs adding to the issues that need to be fixed.
Nintendo launched the highly anticipated Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. However, one day later, hackers found a possible way to exploit the system. While it’s not harmful; right now, the user-level exploit raised concerns about the security of the console.
Nintendo Switch 2 User-Level Exploit
David Buchanan (known as @retr0.id), a hacker, showed off a small user-level exploit ON Nintendo Switch 2. Hackers call it a Return-Oriented Programming (ROP) exploit, which works by using parts of the system’s own code in smart ways instead of adding a new one.
He used it to display simple graphics, like a checkerboard, on the screen. Importantly, this hack only runs at a surface level. It can’t reach deep down into the system, or give full control over it.
How Far The Switch 2 Exploit Can Go?
Right now, hacking is limited in what it can do. It only runs at a user-level, which means hackers can’t use it to change the system’s core software. Additionally, it can’t install pirated games and give the hackers full control of the console’s system.
Even the hacker who found it joked that people can mistake the exploit for a Youtube Video. Still, other developers confirmed the exploit is real. On forums including Reddit and GameFAQs, people say that it can be the first step towards deeper system exploitation
Similar Issues in The Past
This isn’t the first time hackers broke into a Nintendo console early. Back in 2017, the original Switch had a similar user-level exploit called PegaSwitch just 11 days after its launch. Hackers later developed bigger exploits, including ones that allowed pirated games. Security experts say that these small-user level exploits can turn into much bigger
Why Nintendo is Likely Concerned
Nintendo takes console security very seriously. Nintendo could permanently disable hacked Switch 2 consoles. In the past, Nintendo has banned accounts, blocked consoles and even took legal actions against the hackers.
Though this current exploit doesn’t break any major rules yet, the exploit can lead to more serious problems including piracy, cheating and leaking of personal data. Additionally, with the current state of Splatoon 3 players reporting bugs that give an unfair advantage to NIntendo Switch 2, Nintendo has extra reasons why they need to fix both the security and performance immediately.
What will happen to Nintendo Switch 2
So far, the hack is still at a basic level. Hackers haven’t managed to run pirated games yet, or accessed the system’s core. Safe to say, Nintendo’s main system is still running smoothly.
But this incident shows that Nintendo hasn’t fully secured the Switch 2. If hackers continue on this exploit, they could eventually find a way to break into the system. Due to this, Nintendo will probably release software updates soon to patch the system’s weakness.
Additionally, since Splatoon 3 has some performance bugs on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has multiple issues they need to fix. However, if you are looking for other games while Nintendo fixes the gameplay bugs, you may check out: The 5 Best Switch 2 Games to Play Right After Launch.
Conclusion
Nintendo Switch 2 got its first security challenge just one day after launch. While the small-user level exploit didn’t really break the system, it proved that the console isn’t completely secure. In the past, hackers can turn small hacks like this into bigger problems.
Though Nintendo has the power to block hacked devices, Nintendo is likely to release a software update instead. Fans and game experts are paying close attention to how quickly Nintendo responds to these issues as it could shape the future of Nintendo Switch 2.
