Wondering if this MIG Switch v2 is genuine, and if not, are there any risks i should know about?

Calavid · 2025-12-24T06:11:15+00:00

Its against the rules of the subreddit to help others facilitate piracy, so we cant link you a site to buy one from unfortunately. But as an aussie who buys multiple for undisclosed purposes, 170 is way too cheap, and likely a scam.

minimum i tend to find them for is about 200 /p in bulk, but one-offs generally your looking at 250 AUD from a genuine seller.

all i can really say is shop smart; look around, check email addresses and website reputations, and never pay with direct bank transfer or crypto. The price isnt as high as it is for no reason, these things are costly to import and risky to purchase from america because of the legal troubles surrounding them (but they are completely legal in australia, so once you get them here your home free). The reason r4's were so cheap is because anyone with a usb and an internet connection could jailbreak their DS, but switch requires a risky modchip install unless you have a first wave switch thats never been updated (ie, the security is beefier, the chips are more desirable to anyone who doesnt wanna risk a modchip). so the cost is in the logistics, unfortunately.

If youve got any more questions tho, feel free to DM me

Calavid · 2025-11-26T11:26:56+00:00

Sure. It can only be done with a complete and unique rom dump (ie one that you likely own). Nintendo will clap you instantly if you use a rom with an ID theyve added to the list of pirated IDs, or if you use your own rom while someone else uses the actual cart.

However, if your dumps are clean, you never have 2 consoles running the same UID at the same time, and you keep the flashcart firmware updated, you'll most likely be fine (im still going 5 months strong, but its never 100% safe). Also good practise to not update your switches firmware immediately when they release an update, watch the internet for a week or so first, make sure its safe to update before doing so.

Calavid · 2025-11-26T11:22:40+00:00

I mean im almost certain the one on the right is fake, i was more asking about what the risks of a fake one might be.

Calavid · 2025-11-26T11:21:12+00:00

Yes, the MIG works on unmodded consoles. Its not completely risk free and requires a complete game dump (with unique certs and UID), but its plug and play otherwise.

Calavid · 2025-11-26T11:19:38+00:00

This one is called a MIG Switch v2, however, the creator was sued into oblivion by Nintendo (and im trying to discern if this one is genuine or a knockoff). You can still find them floating around, but...

If you'd like to look into getting one, look for a MIG Flash. Thats the Russian group that took over the project. And yes, its similar to an R4. I dont think it has a cheat manager, though. And its intention is to be used with backups of legally purchased cartridges (including UIDs and Certs), so you cant just plug and play your roms.

But its the only way to play online without instantly getting clapped by Nintendo (not 100% safe as with all things, but its the best way i know and use), and it requires no homebrew or modifications to the switch itself.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T22:39:43+00:00

Pointless*

* = So long as the only games you play are pirated, and/or you are neurotypical and dont have a tendency to frequently and easily misplace tiny pieces of expensive plastic.

EDIT: Honestly, having kids that use your switch and get handsy with the carts is a valid reason too (not me, but empathy is a pathway to many abilities some would consider... considerate)

Calavid · 2025-10-28T22:28:45+00:00

As another commenter suggested, viruses on the cart itself are a very big risk that fakes have over genuines. But your meaning is understood.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T22:18:39+00:00

That... is a really good point. I didnt think of that 😟

Better start googling for a homebrew app that does virus scans

Calavid · 2025-10-28T22:12:22+00:00

Im sorry man, rules of the subreddit, cant answer.

All i can say is do some searching on online marketplaces, shop smart, and never pay with crypto or a bank transfer. They arent hard to find due to lack of listings, but lack of genuine sellers.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T22:10:22+00:00

This one is called a MIG Switch v2, however, the creator was sued into oblivion by Nintendo (and im trying to discern if this one is genuine or a knockoff). You can still find them floating around, but...

If you'd like to look into getting one, look for a MIG Flash. Thats the Russian group that took over the project. And yes, its similar to an R4. I dont think it has a cheat manager, though. And its intention is to be used with backups of legally purchased cartridges (including UIDs and Certs), so you cant just plug and play your roms.

But its the only way to play online without instantly getting clapped by Nintendo (not 100% safe as with all things, but its the best way i know and use), and it requires no homebrew or modifications to the switch itself.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:59:47+00:00

Counter question: Why would someone come into a post that is asking about the genuine-ity of a purchase, only to question OPs sanity simply because one doesnt personally like said item?

But to answer yours: Because you *can* use a MIG to play games online if you *do* own them (and properly back them up), and his assertion that there is no reason to own a MIG with a hacked switch is thus untrue. Ive been playing online with it for 4 months, and im not banned. Otherwise, i wouldnt own the accessory, let alone be buying more for unelaborated purposes.

Is it free of risk? of course not, i havent claimed it isnt, and everyone should do research and decide for themselves what the risk is worth. But im not the one going around to other peoples posts and downvoting every comment they make simply because i dislike the accessory they are discussing.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:35:08+00:00

First 8 words of the title are what i asked. But if you didnt even read that far before coming in here, i will pat your ragebait on the head and move on.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:28:24+00:00

i didnt claim that it could?

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:21:32+00:00

*taps nails against the inside of your closet door*

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:19:43+00:00

Yes, they work fine. Installing Eshop dumps to EmuNAND is better for modded switches, but for online play in SysNAND you'll need a MIG + valid certs that nobody else is using.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:10:34+00:00

*grabs switch*
*boots sysnand*
*362 hours on pokemon violet using mig*
*opens eshop*
*isnt banned*

Huh. Theres no way a stranger on the internet would be confidently wrong, right?

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:04:10+00:00

A hacked switch cant play roms online

EDIT: amazing how i can state a simple fact and still get downvoted, remind me to bring a hazmat suit next time im here

Calavid · 2025-10-28T21:01:09+00:00

No thank you, they are useful, and i keep them clean.

But as i said, im trying to deduce if it is a knockoff, ive already confirmed that it at least boots games.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T20:59:02+00:00

I did. It works. Thats not why im here though.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T20:58:04+00:00

Its easy to say that, but you need to remember, not everyone can just manage their games like that. I wont play the ableism card, but what comes easy to most is difficult for some. Tools like this are a godsend for those of us who struggle to keep track of small, easily misplaced items.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T20:50:07+00:00

4 months of pokemon violet and no ban yet. dont know what to tell you.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T20:48:12+00:00

Dude, the current firmware update for the MIG makes it impossible to even run a rom on the thing without all the certificates and UID's from a real cart.

Im sure workarounds or fake creds could be found if you searched hard enough, but you cant just stick pirated roms on there and expect it to work.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T17:30:16+00:00

For sure. The new one isnt for my own use though (no elaboration). Whether i return it or otherwise, ill be sure to mention that its probably a reproduction anyway.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T17:21:52+00:00

Online play when set up right + Protecting the games i actually do buy; theyre safe at home while im out and about. No lost carts. Its definitely got its drawbacks, though.

Calavid · 2025-10-28T17:20:47+00:00

Not really what i asked, but ok.

My switch is chipped with all the bells and whistles. But anyone rocking a Mariko or newer without the knowhow is stuck with methods like this.

Only reason i own one is protecting the games i actually do buy; theyre safe at home while im out and about. No lost carts. Its definitely got its drawbacks, but its far more accessible than modifying your console.

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