Nintendo Switch 2 Scam Listings Surge on Mercari and Rakuma: Japanese Authorities Warn Buyers

Recent coverage by major Japanese outlet FNN News has brought increased attention to a concerning trend impacting the Nintendo Switch 2 community.

As anticipation grows for Nintendo’s next-generation console, online marketplace platforms like Mercari and Rakuma are seeing a surge in misleading Nintendo Switch 2 listings.

These seller postings may initially appear authentic, offering the console at prices typical of official retail listings.

However, a closer inspection reveals their deceptive nature: the product description clarifies that buyers will only receive "photos of the product" or, alarmingly, an "empty box," instead of the highly sought-after Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. Mercari and Rakuma are two of Japan’s most popular online marketplace websites, serving millions of users looking for everything from collectibles to the latest gaming devices.

This spike in dubious Nintendo Switch 2 listings is particularly troubling as it comes during a period of heightened excitement around Nintendo’s anticipated release.

The Nintendo Switch, originally launched in March 2017, has enjoyed enduring popularity, surpassing over 125 million hardware units sold globally according to official sales milestones.

Naturally, anticipation is high for the official reveal and preorders of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has yet to receive a public release date from Nintendo. Tokyo-based attorney Kunitaka Kasai of Rel Law Firm offered expert legal perspective to FNN News regarding the situation.

He explained that online listings which unambiguously state the transaction is only for a "photo" or an "empty box" are unlikely to be prosecuted as unlawful, given that the seller is transparently communicating the contents of the sale.

However, Mr.

Kasai cautioned that listings with unclear or misleading descriptions, which obscure the fact that the buyer will not receive an actual Nintendo Switch 2 console, could potentially constitute unlawful conduct under Japanese consumer protection laws. The issue underscores the need for both enhanced consumer vigilance and proactive platform moderation on sites like Mercari and Rakuma.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 not formally available for sale and no announcement made via official channels such as Nintendo Direct, any listings purporting to offer the new console should be met with healthy skepticism.

Buyers are encouraged to scrutinize listing descriptors and seller histories carefully, and to rely on reputable retailers or the official Nintendo eShop for future preorders once legitimate sale information is released. Nintendo has a storied history of hardware launches accompanied by fevered anticipation, often followed by supply shortages and high demand on both the Nintendo eShop and third-party retail channels.

With the continued rise of digital marketplaces, educating consumers on how to spot and avoid scam listings is more important than ever.

As the gaming industry awaits further news about the Nintendo Switch 2, gamers and collectors alike should remain vigilant to protect themselves and their hard-earned money.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Mercari Rakuma Japanese marketplace FNN News Kunitaka Kasai Rel Law Firm