Nintendo Switch 2 Scalping Crackdown: Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari Strengthen Bans in Japan

Nintendo Switch 2 remains highly coveted as stock shortages persist across Japan, leading to a significant escalation in efforts to combat unauthorized reselling, also known as scalping.

With continuing demand far outpacing available inventory for Nintendo’s upcoming hardware, the Kyoto-based gaming giant has doubled down on its collaboration with major Japanese online retailers to tackle the problem at its source. On June 21, 2024, two of Japan’s most prominent e-commerce platforms, Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari, extended their prohibition on scalping-related listings for the Nintendo Switch 2.

This is in direct response to widespread frustration among genuine buyers who have struggled to access the console through official channels due to speculative reselling practices that substantially inflate market prices. Yahoo! Auctions, one of Japan’s largest online auction services, has reaffirmed its ongoing ban on all Nintendo Switch 2 related listings—covering both the standalone hardware and any special edition bundles, such as the Pokémon Legends Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 bundle, which became available today.

Mercari, a leading peer-to-peer marketplace in Japan, has likewise strengthened enforcement and is systematically removing listings flagged as scalper posts for Nintendo’s latest console model. A Nintendo spokesperson emphasized the importance of fair access for customers, stating that the company is actively working with online marketplaces to eliminate listings that violate their policies.

The aim is to ensure that genuine fans can purchase Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and new releases like Pokémon Legends Z-A at recommended retail prices, rather than resorting to overpriced resale markets. The Nintendo Switch 2, officially announced in early 2024, builds on the tremendous success of its predecessor, which surpassed over 130 million units sold globally since its 2017 debut.

Bundles featuring major releases—such as Pokémon Legends Z-A—have been highly anticipated, generating even more enthusiasm and, consequently, opportunities for scalpers attempting to exploit supply constraints. Nintendo has proactively issued warnings and taken legal action against resellers seeking profit through unauthorized channels.

This latest effort, coordinated with Yahoo! Auctions and Mercari, represents the most robust anti-scalping measures to date on Japanese digital marketplaces. Players eagerly seeking to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 are advised to use only official retailers, the Nintendo eShop, or authorized pre-order programs through reputable outlets.

By leveraging partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms and maintaining strict marketplace oversight, Nintendo aims to support fair and accessible hardware and game launches—especially as its next-generation system enters the global spotlight. As the release calendar advances and more Switch 2 units become available, Nintendo is expected to continue monitoring online resale markets closely, reinforcing its commitment to a fair purchase experience for its dedicated gaming community.

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