Nintendo blocks SmileBASIC and Civilization VII on outdated Switch 2 consoles connected to the internet
On November 12, 2026, people with a Switch 2 still on firmware 23.0.1 or earlier — firmware is the console’s system — began hitting a block: if the device is connected to the internet, SmileBASIC 4 and Civilization VII require a mandatory update before they will open. According to developers, the 23.5.0 update closes the jailbreak used today to run homebrew. Switch2Unlock has not tested this block.
@OatmealDome · X · Nov 12, 2026
Context
A scene developer said Nintendo now requires the latest system update before SmileBASIC and Civilization VII, games used by the jailbreak, can be launched, and that a Switch 2 that is not updated but is connected to the internet no longer has access to those games. Another developer described this as a remote block on 23.0.1 and recommended not connecting the console to the internet for anyone who wants to keep homebrew access. That developer also said other cartridge games with flaws may be announced in the future. It is still unclear what the exact mechanism is, whether a console that is already blocked can open those games again without internet, or whether other entry points will be affected. Developers are advising anyone who wants to keep the console on 23.0.1 to leave it offline. Updating is each owner’s choice: with the system up to date, the console works normally online again, but 23.5.0 closes the current homebrew path. See the news on the 23.5.0 update. Switch2Unlock does not provide games, keys or firmware.