Thieves Might Be Swapping Nintendo Switch Cartridges With Something Strange

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Summary

  • Some Nintendo Switch users report finding googly eyes instead of game cartridges.
  • Some criminals appear to be targeting Nintendo products.
  • Thieves are possibly swapping game cartridges with googly eyes to deceive stores for refunds.

A number of Nintendo Switch users have encountered an unusual predicament: instead of finding a game cartridge in their new cases, they’ve found just one googly eye. The extent of this issue isn’t yet clear, but those who love the Switch might want to be careful when purchasing physical game copies in the future.

Over the past few months, various Nintendo properties have been attracting unwanted attention from criminals. In December 2024, thieves made off with Pokemon cards valued at $315,000 from a grading company. Earlier reports also suggested that criminal organizations were utilizing similar collectibles to conceal illicit funds. The current wave of theft involving Switch game cartridges might not be as grand in size, but it still brings dismay to those anticipating a new game.

Reddit users started sharing pictures of Nintendo Switch cases featuring googly eyes towards the end of December. A couple claimed they bought these games as Christmas gifts, while another user who works at Target mentioned finding similar odd swaps in a game that was returned by a customer. Some Redditors expressed skepticism about these stories, but others vouched for their authenticity – one even shared that they had often seen such cases during their time working at Walmart. The peak holiday season and the announcement of Switch 2’s backward compatibility with existing Switch games might have fueled interest, leading to a surge in cartridge-related mischief.

Thieves Are Reportedly Swapping Switch Cartridges for Googly Eyes to Avoid Detection

Despite appearing unusual, there is some method behind the swap of the googly eyes. Some Reddit users noted that these plastic eyes make a rattling sound in the case, which can trick people into believing a Nintendo Switch cartridge is still inside. This gives thieves an opportunity to purchase a game, replace it with a googly eye, and return the case for a refund without store employees noticing anything amiss. It’s a cunning scheme, but its longevity may be limited. There are whispers that Target will cease selling physical media, which could potentially put an end to this return scam. For now, though, physical games will likely continue to line the shelves of stores, so businesses might need to devise alternative strategies to deter scammers.

There’s ongoing debate about whether these tales are genuine or fabricated for popularity. It can be tricky to determine, especially with Nintendo showcasing a robust collection of future games and the impending launch of Switch 2. Under such circumstances, it wouldn’t shock anyone if scammers came up with innovative methods to acquire games unnoticed. To stay safe, Nintendo enthusiasts might consider exercising caution when purchasing physical games from traditional stores.

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2025-01-05 20:53