Civilization 7 recalled: Game cartridge poses security risk for Switch 2

Nintendo is likely hoping to remove the physical Switch version of Civilization 7 from existence. The game cartridge has proven to be a gateway to the so-called CivSwitch exploit, which grants access to the user space on the Switch 2 console. An Amazon retailer has informed customers about a sudden recall and suggested versions with download codes as replacements, as reported on Reddit.

Developers have recently made public a series of exploits for Nintendo's new console. Although CivSwitch is not a full jailbreak for the Switch 2, it provides user-level access and could lead to significant breakthroughs for homebrew software. Citing security concerns, 2K Games has therefore pulled the physical cartridge, the prices of which have skyrocketed on secondary markets like eBay.

Reddit user MaruluVR recently shared how a German Amazon retailer contacted a customer who had purchased the physical edition of the game. The message explained that the publisher had withdrawn the product due to technical and security-related requirements. Buyers were offered either a variant with a download code or a full refund.

Although the sellers themselves are rarely aware of the background to the security exploit, the homebrew community considers the timing to be far from a coincidence. It remains unclear at this time whether Nintendo itself has pressured 2K Games to limit access to the cartridges, but gaming giants have historically been quick to act when it comes to closing similar security loopholes.

Physical copies of the game are likely to become hard to come by moving forward, and collector value certainly won't drop. What are your thoughts on the cat-and-mouse game between manufacturers and console hackers? Discuss in the thread!