Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 4 hrs ago
Civilization 7 Switch cartridge recalled after enabling a Switch 2 exploit
A German Amazon reseller said it could not fulfill orders for the Civilization 7 Switch cartridge after being told the publisher had withdrawn it for technical and security reasons.
The cartridge can be used in CivSwitch, an exploit that gives testers limited access to Switch 2 software.
The exploit uses a weakness in the game's multiplayer chat to run custom code, with an unpatched cartridge and a small programmed device needed to enter it.
CivSwitch is not a full jailbreak, but it could help researchers find more weaknesses in Nintendo's latest console.
The cartridge has reportedly become harder to find, and some buyers say their orders were cancelled.
It is unclear whether Nintendo asked 2K Games to withdraw the cartridge, and Nintendo has not commented on the exploit.
Retailers have offered a code-in-box version or a refund, while the article says updated firmware could address security flaws.
A German Amazon reseller reportedly told a customer it could not process an order for the physical Nintendo Switch version of Civilization 7 because the publisher had withdrawn the cartridge.
The retailer offered the code-in-box version or a cancellation and refund.
The reported recall followed the public emergence of CivSwitch, an exploit that uses an unpatched Civilization 7 cartridge to gain userland access on Switch 2.
The homebrew community suspects the timing is linked to the exploit, but the article says it is unclear whether Nintendo asked 2K Games to restrict access to the physical game.
Nintendo has not commented on CivSwitch or related discoveries.
- Who
- 2K Games has reportedly recalled the cartridge; a German Amazon reseller contacted a customer about an order.
- What
- The physical Switch version of Civilization 7 was reportedly withdrawn, with the retailer offering a code-in-box version or a refund.
- When
- The report was published on November 5, 2026; the recall was reported after CivSwitch emerged.
- Where
- The reported customer notification came from a German Amazon reseller. The exploit affects the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Why
- The retailer cited technical and security-related requirements. The homebrew community believes the recall may be linked to CivSwitch, but the reason has not been confirmed.
Homebrew community
Amazon reseller
Recall timing
Homebrew community
The community believes the recall is too coincidental to CivSwitch’s emergence.
Amazon reseller
The reseller reportedly found the recall puzzling.
Developers publicized a series of exploits for Nintendo’s latest console.
The Civilization 7 Switch cartridge reportedly sold for higher prices on eBay.
Notebookcheck published its report on the reported cartridge recall.
- Game
- Civilization 7
- Exploit
- CivSwitch
- Affected console
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Retailer
- German Amazon reseller
- Reported alternative
- Code-in-box release with the current-gen upgrade
What people are saying
publisher has withdrawn the physical version (game cartridge)
technical and security-related requirements