Nintendo announces partnerships with online marketplaces to fight Nintendo Switch 2 scalpers on launch

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The anticipated release of Nintendo Switch 2 is projected to break all-time console launch records, surpassing the shared record set by PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. However, as is common with any new hardware release, there are concerns about a potential increase in reselling activities, where individuals might try to sell the Nintendo Switch 2 for prices higher than its suggested retail value.

To curb the issue of scalping particularly in Japan, Nintendo has formally collaborated with several online platforms, aiming to restrict the resale of the new console at its launch to a bare minimum.

Nintendo works to stop Switch 2 scalping

According to a statement by Nintendo Japan (as reported by VGC), the company has formed alliances with Mercari, Yahoo! Auction, and Rakuten Rakuma – the top three e-commerce platforms in the region – with the aim of preventing any unauthorized product listings associated with Nintendo.

The three marketplaces will collaborate with Nintendo on a strategy called “preemptive take-down” of overpriced Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Given that Nintendo has significantly underestimated the demand for the new console in Japan, this partnership aims to guarantee that Japanese gamers can secure the console.

Furthermore, Yahoo Auctions notes that the novel handheld console could potentially be categorized as a “restricted item” during its release. Yet, this remains undetermined. The company articulated that the gadget holds the potential to garner “high visibility,” experience “significant demand,” and serve as “expensive resale items,” which might subsequently lead to disruptions such as hoarding or price fluctuations. Consequently, these occurrences could disrupt the “auction market.

As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled about the collective efforts being made to combat scalping for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. globally, eBay has been vigilantly scrubbing out numerous listings for the upcoming console, ensuring that only genuine purchases can be made directly from Nintendo if you possess an active and utilized Nintendo Switch Online account. In Japan, it’s a privilege for valued customers to secure this device. I’m excited to join forces with fellow gamers in this noble mission!

In a business context, console systems usually thrive primarily due to the sale of software for the device, with the console manufacturer usually earning a 30% commission from these sales. Scalpers don’t buy software; instead, they acquire consoles themselves and resell them at higher prices. Therefore, it is logical for console companies to minimize scalping as much as feasible, particularly during the launch period, to maximize revenue from genuine users who purchase software for the console.

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2025-05-27 13:40