Thieves Might Be Swapping Nintendo Switch Cartridges With Something Strange

Several Nintendo Switch users have reported being victims of an unusual crime. Instead of finding a cartridge in their brand-new game cases, they’ve been greeted by a single googly eye. It’s unclear how widespread the issue is, but Switch fans may want to proceed with caution the next time they buy a physical copy of a game.

Nintendo properties have been a prominent target for criminals over the past few months. Thieves stole $315,000 worth of Pokemon cards from a grading company in December 2024, and reports had previously come out about crime gangs using the same collectibles to launder money. This recent spree of Switch cartridge thievery may not be quite so large in scale, but it’s disappointing for victims expecting a new game nonetheless.

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Reddit users began posting images of Switch cases holding googly eyes in late December. At least two say they bought the games as Christmas presents, while another says they work at Target and found the same unusual swap in a game a customer returned. Some Redditors in the comments doubted the validity of these stories, especially as more emerged, but others backed them up — one commenter said they used to work at Walmart and would see similar cases “all the time.” The busy holiday season and the news that the Switch 2 will be backward compatible with Switch games could also drive demand, inspiring a wave of cartridge crime.

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

As strange as the googly eyes seem, there is some logic to the swap. Some Redditors pointed out that the plastic eyes rattle in the case, making it seem like a Switch cartridge is still in there. Consequently, thieves can buy a game, replace the cartridge with the googly eye, and return the case for a refund without store employees realizing anything is off. It’s clever, but the trend may not last forever. There are rumors that Target will stop selling physical media, and if stores do go that route, it’d put an end to this return scam. For now, though, physical games will likely stick around on store shelves for a while, so businesses may need another approach to stop scammers.

Of course, some people still question whether these stories are real or just people faking pictures for clout. It’s hard to say, but with Nintendo highlighting a strong lineup of upcoming games and the incoming arrival of the Switch 2, it wouldn’t be a surprise if criminals tried new ways to snag games without anyone noticing. Nintendo fans may want to use caution when buying physical games from brick-and-mortar stores just to be safe.

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Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.

Brand

Nintendo

Battery

1 Lithium Polymer batteries required

Dimensions

13.7 x 7.8 x 3.66 inches

Weight

2.65 pounds