Gamer’s Nostalgia Paint Job Wrecks New Switch 2 Cartridge

Yellow Desire Leads to Console Catastrophe

A fervent Nintendo enthusiast’s attempt to recapture the iconic look of classic gaming has backfired spectacularly, resulting in a damaged Switch 2 console and an unplayable copy of the latest “Donkey Kong Bananza.” The player’s nostalgic vision went awry when a can of yellow paint met a game cartridge.

The Allure of the Yellow Cartridge

“Donkey Kong Bananza” has been met with acclaim on the Switch 2, reinforcing Nintendo’s prowess in interactive entertainment. However, one player felt the new release missed an opportunity to echo its predecessor, “Donkey Kong 64,” which famously featured a distinctive yellow cartridge. This iconic aesthetic was a coveted collectible for many fans during the Nintendo 64 era.

This sentiment led the player, identified as Gardner, to modify his “Donkey Kong Bananza” cartridge. His goal was to replicate the vibrant yellow hue associated with “Donkey Kong 64,” and even “Donkey Kong Land” on Game Boy, which also sported a unique colored casing.

A Costly Creative Endeavor

After carefully disassembling the “Donkey Kong Bananza” cartridge and protecting its internal components, Gardner applied yellow paint. His intention was to give the cartridge a unique, nostalgic flair. However, the artistic endeavor took a disastrous turn when he attempted to reinsert the painted cartridge into his Switch 2.

The paint had altered the cartridge’s dimensions, preventing it from fitting smoothly. In his effort to force it, the player managed to wedge it permanently into the console’s slot. The Switch 2 failed to recognize the game, leaving the player unable to play.

“Oh, it has been stuck. It does not come in. Update: it no longer fits in the console. So I suppose I will not play it today. He is completely stuck inside my switch. And in addition, I just break the cartridge, my mother!”

Subsequent attempts to dislodge the cartridge with tweezers proved futile, resulting in further damage to the game itself. Speculation within the gaming community suggests that the paint may have also rendered the console’s cartridge slot unusable, leaving Gardner with both a broken game and a potentially damaged Switch 2.

Anticipation for the Next Nintendo Direct

While this incident highlights the risks of modifying game hardware, fans are eagerly awaiting the next Nintendo Direct presentation. Rumors suggest it could occur as early as July 30th or 31st. The event is expected to reveal details on upcoming titles and ports, including potential announcements for “Metaphor: ReFantazio,” “The Witcher: Wild Hunt,” and “Death Stranding: Director’s Cut,” as well as the release date for “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.” A new “Animal Crossing” title may also be teased, fueling considerable excitement.

The Switch 2 has seen remarkable success, even outselling its closest competitor in its debut month in North America, moving over 500,000 units (IGN, 2025).

This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder to gamers: stick to official releases and avoid potentially damaging modifications, no matter how tempting the nostalgia.