Summer Vacation Season Arrives: Concerns Over Rising Thefts of "Switch 2"—Nintendo's Recommendations for "Self-Defense" and the Reality of No Remote Lock Feature

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Weakness of a "Portable Console"

2. Reasons for Lack of Remote Lock and Key Differences with Smartphones

3. Full Text and Background of Nintendo's Official Warning

4. Risk Analysis by Scene Where Theft is Likely to Occur

5. Monetary Impact of Theft and Secondary Damage

6. Account Defense Flow to Execute Immediately After Theft

7. Six Practical Techniques to Prevent Physical Theft

8. Avoiding the "Worst" with Insurance and Compensation Services

9. "Monitoring" Checklist When Letting Children Carry It

10. Shortage and Secondhand Market of Switch 2 Consoles: The Trouble of Losing It

11. Legal Procedures & Manual for Reporting to the Police

12. Expert Comments: Security Researchers Discuss "Future Challenges"

13. Conclusion: "Self-Defense" is the Strongest Security
    
    

1. Introduction: The Weakness of a "Portable Console"

The Nintendo Switch series was born as a "hybrid" of home and portable consoles, with significantly improved performance in the Switch 2. However, it's easy to forget that "taking it outside = constant risk of being forgotten or stolen." A representative from a game specialty store chain testifies, "During summer vacation, there are more opportunities for children to carry it in their bags, and consultations about theft and loss increase by about 20% each year."

2. Reasons for Lack of Remote Lock and Key Differences with Smartphones

Smartphones have built-in communication modules at all times and come with OS-level "Find My" features. In contrast, the Switch 2 lacks GPS and cellular modems, and its wireless LAN connection is manual. Console authentication is only linked to the serial number and Nintendo account, with no hardware circuit for locking.

As a result, it becomes a specification where "remote operation after loss is not possible." ASCII.jp reports a comment from a Nintendo representative stating, "The hardware is designed from the outset as a 'standalone gaming console.'"ASCII.jp

3. Full Text and Background of Nintendo's Official Warning

On July 18, Nintendo Support Official X posted the following.

When taking Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 outside during summer outings, please be careful of loss or theft. (Omitted) You cannot track the console or stop its use remotely. —@nintendo_cs (2025/7/18)X (formerly Twitter)}

The company issues this warning during this period because the demand for portable devices spikes with summer vacation.

4. Risk Analysis by Scene Where Theft is Likely to Occur

According to police statistics, reported thefts of portable gaming consoles account for 27% of the annual total in July and August.

5. Monetary Impact of Theft and Secondary Damage

• Switch 2 Console (Suggested Retail Price: 49,800 yen)

• Download Software: Average 15 Titles × 6,000 yen = 90,000 yen

• microSD Express Card (512GB): About 10,000 yen

• Save Data (Priceless)
  
  Total equivalent to 148,000 yen. Additionally, there is a risk of credit card fraud due to account information leakage.

6. Account Defense Flow to Execute Immediately After Theft

1. Immediate Change of Nintendo Account Password (Enable Two-Factor Authentication)Nintendo Support

2. Deactivation of "Primary Console" Setting: Can be done via web browser.Nintendo Support

3. Deactivation of "Virtual Game Card Usage Console" Registration: A unique feature of Switch 2.Nintendo Support

4. Delete Credit Card Information

5. Submit Theft Report to Police (Not a Lost Property Report)

7. Six Practical Techniques to Prevent Physical Theft

1. Include Bluetooth Trackers like AirTag/Tile in the Pouch

2. Secure Inside the Bag with a Reel-Type Security Wire

3. Use Shock-Resistant and Lockable Hard Cases

4. Utilize "Joy-Con Lock" Mechanism (Prevents Unintentional Detachment)

5. Avoid Using "Switch 2 Dedicated Pouches" and Choose Subtle Designs

6. Do Not Leave Seats in Public Spaces/Entrust to Companions When Leaving

8. Avoiding the "Worst" with Insurance and Compensation Services

• Home Insurance (Personal Belongings Coverage Rider): Covers up to 300,000 yen for about 2,000 yen per year

• Credit Card Insurance: May cover theft during overseas travel

• Extended Warranty + Theft Coverage from Electronics Retailers: Check at the time of purchase

9. "Monitoring" Checklist When Letting Children Carry It

• Set Playtime Limits with the "Monitoring Switch 2" App

• Change Joy-Con Colors to Easily Identifiable Ones (Prevent Mix-Ups)

• Attach a Contact Sticker (Email Only) on the Back of the Console

• Share Rules for Bringing to School/Tutoring with Parents and Children

10. Shortage and Secondhand Market of Switch 2 Consoles: The Trouble of Losing It

As of July 2025, there is virtually no stock in domestic electronics stores. The secondhand market has surged to 1.4 times the new retail price, making immediate repurchase after theft realistically difficult.

11. Legal Procedures & Manual for Reporting to the Police

• Submit a Theft Report to the Local Police Station (Lost Property Reports Often Do Not Qualify for Compensation)

• Record the Serial Number (Box, Receipt, My Nintendo Purchase History)

• Ensure to Obtain the "Acceptance Number" Required for Insurance Claims

12. Expert Comments: Security Researchers Discuss "Future Challenges"

Professor Yoshioka from the Graduate School of Information Security states, "The design decision to not include GPS to keep device costs and battery life low is understandable. However, in an era where hardware integrates with the cloud, a minimum remote lock mechanism should be incorporated from the design stage." There is also anticipation for responses from peripheral devices, such as official cases with built-in Bluetooth trackers.

13. Conclusion: "Self-Defense" is the Strongest Security

• Switch 2 lacks a remote lock feature

• Theft results in triple losses: hardware, software, and account

• After theft, the rule is "Change Password→Deactivate Console→Police"

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