Thieves Potentially Replacing Nintendo Switch Cartridges With Unusual Items

Several Nintendo Switch users have encountered an unexpected surprise when they open their new game cases: instead of a cartridge, they find a googly eye looking back at them. While the exact scope of this issue remains uncertain, anyone thinking about adding a new physical game to their collection should stay alert to avoid a similar disappointment.

Nintendo products seem to have caught the attention of criminals lately. Back in December 2024, thieves made off with about $315,000 worth of Pokemon cards from a grading company. There have also been whispers about criminal groups leveraging these collectibles to launder money. Although the recent incidents of swapped Switch cartridges with googly eyes aren’t as massive, they’re certainly frustrating for those who were excited to play a new game.

Late December saw Reddit users sharing photos of Switch cases that had googly eyes where cartridges should be. At least two people claimed these items were Christmas gifts, while another mentioned they worked at Target and had come across a similar switch on a returned game. Doubts about these reports arose, but others backed them up, with a user saying they had encountered similar cases during their stint at Walmart. The busy holiday shopping period and news that the Switch 2 will play older Switch games might be prompting these cartridge swaps.

Though it sounds bizarre, there’s a method to this googly eye madness. According to some Redditors, the plastic eyes rattle just like a cartridge, providing an ideal cover for thieves. They buy the game, replace the cartridge with a googly eye, and return it for a refund without raising suspicions. It’s a crafty scheme. However, with rumors about retailers such as Target halting sales of physical media, this scam may not have a long shelf life. For stores keeping physical games in stock, an alternative solution to curb these scams will be necessary.

Skeptics wonder if these stories are genuine or merely attempts at gaining attention online. The truth remains elusive, but with Nintendo gearing up for an exciting array of new games alongside the anticipated Switch 2 launch, it wouldn’t be shocking to find out criminals are devising new ways to swipe products undetected. For those planning to purchase physical games from traditional stores, a bit of caution might be wise going forward.