Because it is a portable console, the possibilities of it getting lost or stolen are high. You must therefore know what to do if your Nintendo Switch is stolen or lost. People use the resources that product manufacturers provide to consumers in the event of a loss for most devices such as phones, which makes it possible to remotely restrict terminals.
However, when a Nintendo Switch is lost or stolen, things become more problematic because the product manufacturer provides us with limited options for recovery. In this article, we will look at what exactly a Nintendo Switch is, how to know when your Nintendo switch is stolen, as well as steps you can take to find it.
What Is A Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch refers to a video game console that was released internationally on March 3, 2017, in most areas. It is a tablet that can be used as a portable device or as a home console. This makes it a hybrid console.
The wireless Joy-Con controllers on the controller, which feature directional analog sticks and regular buttons for motion detection, user input, and tactical feedback, may be attached to both sides of the console for portability. This means that it supports playing using the handheld style.
Nintendo switches may also be used independently in the hand, similar to the Nunchuk and Wii Remote, to offer a standard home console gamepad experience. Alternatively, they can be connected to a grip device to offer a traditional home console gamepad experience.
The software on the Nintendo Switch enables online play via the Internet. It also allows for local wireless ad hoc connectivity to other consoles. Games and software for the Nintendo Switch are accessible both on digital distribution and on physical flash-based ROM cartridges.
Digital distribution is through the Nintendo eShop, and the system is available in all regions. On September 20, 2019, the Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-focused iteration of the system, was released. A new higher-end variant with an OLED screen was later released.
Tracking A Nintendo Switch
Some products come with built-in tracking systems that make it possible for users to track them down using their serial numbers and GPS coordinates.
The Nintendo Switch, unfortunately, is not among these devices. Nintendo, in fact, does not provide any sort of tracking service or equipment that can be tracked. If your Nintendo Switch is stolen, you may have a difficult time tracking it down. As a result, you must try to figure it out on your own.
How To Find Your Nintendo Switch
1. Check whether the serial numbers match
A stolen Nintendo Switch is frequently without a box or is in a different packaging from the one it should have arrived in. If the serial numbers on the device and those on the box match, you’ve most likely acquired a genuine item. If not, there is a good chance something fishy is happening.
Of course, even though the serial numbers are identical, the product could still be stolen. It is, however, extremely unlikely. To locate the two serial numbers, follow these steps:
- On the bottom left of the handheld Nintendo Switch system, you can find the serial number. Note that is not the dock.
- The other serial number is printed on the product packaging itself.
2. Reach out to Nintendo Support
It’s possible that if your Nintendo Switch was stolen, they called Nintendo Support. Users typically do this to delete their Nintendo Account and erase all data on the system by deactivating it.
The Nintendo Support team may request the serial number of a stolen gadget. Once they do, they may record it as belonging to a stolen Switch in their system. As a result, you can get in touch with the staff and express your concerns.
They might request you to verify the serial number on your console so that they may verify its status. You will have to return the device if you got a stolen one. On the plus side, you won’t be prosecuted for possessing a stolen Switch.
Here is where you may contact Nintendo’s customer service.
3. Remove your credit card and detach your account
If you’ve added a credit card to your account and it is your Nintendo Switch that has been stolen, the first thing you should do is to remove it by following these instructions below:
Step 1: Go to accounts.nintendo.com.
Step 2: On the left, select the shop menu.
Step 3: Next to your credit card, click the Delete button.
You can only deactivate your Nintendo account from the system using an external computer. This would remove any games you’ve downloaded from the eShop. It also removes the store itself from your account, which makes it impossible for any other person to make a purchase using your account if you had connected to a registered payment method.
You can do so by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to accounts.nintendo.com.
Step 2: Login using your Nintendo account.
Step 3: From the main panel, select Remove Registration.
Step 4: You may be prompted to enter your password again at this point.
Step 5: Click “Delete Registration” to confirm.
You may also accomplish this by entering into my.nintendo.com, heading to “Account Settings,” then “Store Menu,” and then following the procedures above. Please remember that you can only remove one record every year. By logging back into your console on a new device, it will be possible for you to download the games you had bought from the eShop. You will also get back saved games by subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online Service.
4. Call the police
Lastly, there’s a potential that the Switch’s rightful owner reported it stolen to the authorities. In some circumstances, authorities will come into possession of stolen goods and use the number to track out the rightful owner.
If you find out that your Nintendo Switch was a stolen item, you should contact your local police department and inform them of the situation. They can swiftly search their database to see if any other Switches with a similar serial number have been reported missing.
Even though it may not have been reported yet, there’s always the chance that the rightful owner will report it missing later. As a result, it may be better to get started with the process as soon as you can.
Signs That You May Be Getting A Stolen Nintendo Switch
There are obvious clues that may be able to inform you whether or not your Switch has been stolen. The following are a few of the most obvious ones:
- Missing accessories: If you notice that your device’s stock accessories are missing without an explanation, then it’s possible that you’re operating with a stolen device. The controller, dock, and original charger are some of the few items that are always included in the package, whether or not it has been used.
- Suspiciously cheap price: There’s a clear distinction between a good deal and a price that’s too good to be true. You should be concerned when somebody tries to sell you a gadget as quickly as possible for an unusually cheap price. If the seller is selling the device at a very low price, you should ask questions first instead of simply buying it.
- A different user account: It’s possible that there are some “shady” remnants from the prior account. Although the vendor may claim that they forgot to sign out, you can ask them to sign in, and this could reveal a great deal.
These are just a few examples of how you can detect if something isn’t quite right. You should always be wary of stolen property. Notwithstanding, some consumers may be persuaded to purchase stolen products. For some, it’s simply too good an opportunity to miss out on.
However, you should think about whether you want to engage in criminal activities. If you are aware that you are purchasing a stolen gadget, you will be deemed an accomplice and you might get caught eventually. As a result, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
Conclusion
It is unfortunate that Nintendo doesn’t offer a blocking feature like Apple and Google do, which enables you to erase or delete all data associated with the device until the gadget is returned to the owner. Understanding where to look for your Nintendo Switch is crucial since it is a popular portable game, and it is also a costly gadget. You must take care to avoid losing or having it stolen.
A Nintendo Switch does not come with a tracking system. However, you should register the device’s serial number with Nintendo as quickly as possible after purchasing it. You can also obtain alternative tracking technology to help you locate it if it gets stolen or goes missing.
You should check the serial number of a Nintendo Switch prior to purchasing it from a third-party seller to avoid purchasing stolen property. It’s important to keep in mind that every Switch is identified by its serial number, and registering yours increases your chances of recovering it.
