Nintendo Partners with Japanese Marketplaces to Halt Nintendo Switch 2 Scalping

Nintendo Takes Action Against Scalpers: Nintendo Switch 2 Resale Blocked on Major Japanese Marketplaces In a decisive move to protect its consumer base and ensure fair distribution, Nintendo has intensified efforts to combat unauthorized reselling of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan.

Renowned for maintaining strict control over its hardware launches, the Kyoto-based gaming giant has officially partnered with three leading Japanese online marketplaces—Mercari, Yahoo! Japan, and Rakuten Rakuma—to halt the resale of the Nintendo Switch 2. Background: Nintendo Switch 2 Demand Spurs Scalping Concerns The Nintendo Switch 2, anticipated as the next evolution of the hugely successful Nintendo Switch platform, has garnered significant attention from both gamers and resellers.

With Nintendo Switch sales surpassing 125 million units since its 2017 debut, demand for the follow-up device is expected to be equally robust.

However, previous high-profile console launches have often been marred by scalpers driving up prices through bulk-buying and unauthorized reselling on digital marketplaces. Nintendo’s Proactive Collaboration to Ensure Fair Access To address these recurring issues, Nintendo has directly engaged with Mercari, Yahoo! Japan, and Rakuten Rakuma—three of the country’s most prominent online marketplaces.

According to an official statement from Nintendo, the company has requested these platforms to prohibit the sale of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles for an indefinite period.

Marketplace operators are also being asked to swiftly identify and remove listings that attempt to bypass the ban or otherwise violate platform policies.

A Nintendo representative, in a clearly articulated statement, emphasized the company’s commitment, stating that consumer trust and fair access are top priorities, and that collaboration with online marketplaces is a critical component of their anti-scalping measures.

While no timeline was provided for the duration of these restrictions, Nintendo affirmed that proactive enforcement would continue as long as necessary to preserve the integrity of the launch. Ongoing Efforts and Market Impact This action aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of close coordination with retail and online partners to mitigate supply chain disruptions and unfair sales practices.

By taking a firm stand against reselling, Nintendo aims to ensure that genuine fans are able to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 at retail prices through official channels.

The company’s measured approach is widely seen as setting a positive precedent in the gaming industry, where frustration over scalping has been a persistent challenge. While these policies currently apply to Japanese platforms, industry watchers will be monitoring whether Nintendo adopts similar measures in other regions, especially as global launches near.

For now, fans can look forward to a more equitable purchasing process in Japan, as Nintendo and its partners work to keep the Nintendo Switch 2 out of scalpers’ hands and into players’ homes.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Japan Switch 2 Switch Rakuten Mercari Rakuten Rakuma Yahoo Japan