Can You Get Banned for Switching Consoles to New Zealand?
If you are changing your region to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, you should first know if you can get banned for switching your consoles to New Zealand.
Although Modern Warfare III technically launches tomorrow, Nov. 10, many players across the globe are already enjoying the latest title. With a midnight local time rollout on console, Modern Warfare III is currently live in New Zealand, thanks to the 18-hour time difference from the east coast.
As always, players outside of New Zealand can switch their region to get on the game a day early. The trick is a popular work-around in the gaming community, but can it result in a ban?
12 years ago today marked a significant milestone for Sledgehammer Games: the launch of our very first entry into the world of Call of Duty… Modern Warfare 3.
— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) November 9, 2023
Since then, we've had the privilege of shaping and expanding the Call of Duty universe, creating unforgettable… pic.twitter.com/u4jUKgTA3P
Can You Get Banned for Switching Consoles to New Zealand?
No, you cannot get banned for switching consoles to New Zealand to play Modern Warfare 3. Changing your region on Xbox or PlayStation does not technically go against the Terms of Service for either console.
In fact, Microsoft has even poked fun at the well-known trick in the past, most notably when Gears of War 5 dropped in 2019. More recently, players across the world used the New Zealand trick to hop on Madden 24 and NBA 2K24 a full day before their respective launches in the United States.
How to Use the New Zealand Trick on Xbox
To use the New Zealand trick on Xbox, players must change their console region and their Call of Duty profile region to New Zealand. Follow these simple steps to change your console region on Xbox, per Microsoft:
- Sign in to your Xbox console.
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Select Profile & system > Settings > System > Language & location.
- Select your new country or region from the drop-down list under Location.
- Select Restart now.
Can You Use the New Zealand Trick on PlayStation?
Yes, you technically can use the New Zealand trick on PlayStation, but it is likely not worth the hassle. You must create an entirely new account, located in New Zealand, and then purchase Modern Warfare III. You cannot simple just change your region on your console and then get on your already pre-ordered game.