Nintendo Issues Warning as Phishing Emails Target Nintendo Switch 2 Lottery Entrants in Japan

Nintendo is alerting fans and consumers in Japan to a new phishing scam targeting those eager for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

As excitement for the upcoming hardware reaches unprecedented levels, malicious actors are exploiting public enthusiasm by sending fraudulent emails to individuals hoping to secure a launch unit through the My Nintendo Store’s official lottery. In Japan, demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has led to an official lottery system via the My Nintendo Store, allowing registered users the chance to purchase the console at launch.

The popularity of Nintendo’s successor to the massively successful Nintendo Switch has created an environment ripe for scams, particularly as consumers await official lottery results. Recently, scammers have sent out emails falsely claiming to be official communications from Nintendo, notifying recipients that they have won the lottery and instructing them to submit sensitive information, such as credit card details, in order to claim their console.

These phishing attempts aim to deceive users and compromise their personal and financial data. Nintendo has responded promptly to the issue, issuing a clear statement cautioning customers about fraudulent messages.

In their communication, Nintendo clarified, “We have identified phishing emails being distributed under the guise of results from the Nintendo Switch 2 lottery sale on the My Nintendo Store.

Official lottery results will be sent later today, and emails delivered prior to this announcement should be regarded as fraudulent.

We urge our users to disregard any such messages and refrain from sharing personal information.” The company urges all participants in the Nintendo Switch 2 lottery to verify the legitimacy of any notifications by checking the official My Nintendo Store website or waiting for the proper scheduled communication.

Importantly, Nintendo has affirmed that official emails have not yet been sent and any messages received prior to the official dispatch should be treated with extreme caution. The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to be one of the year's most significant hardware launches, building on the runaway global success of the original Nintendo Switch, which has shipped over 125 million units since its debut in 2017.

As anticipation continues to rise, Nintendo’s swift response to this phishing scam highlights the company's commitment to consumer safety and secure purchasing experiences through its platforms. Japanese consumers and Nintendo fans worldwide are encouraged to remain vigilant, carefully verify official communications, and consult Nintendo’s official support channels for any questions regarding Nintendo Switch 2 preorders or lottery results.

For further information, customers should routinely visit the My Nintendo Store’s announcements and the official Nintendo Japan website.

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