Nintendo Partners with Major Japanese Marketplaces to Combat Fraudulent Listings Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo, a leading figure in the global gaming industry, has announced a new collaborative effort targeting the removal of unauthorized and fraudulent product listings from prominent Japanese marketplace apps.

This initiative aims to further protect the integrity of Nintendo's product distribution, particularly with anticipation building around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

In a move that reinforces its commitment to consumer trust and brand security, Nintendo is joining forces with three of Japan’s largest digital markets: Mercari, LINE Yahoo—covering both Yahoo! Auctions and Yahoo! Flea Market—and Rakuten’s Rakuma platform.

These companies collectively represent a significant share of Japan’s peer-to-peer and secondhand online retail space, making them key partners for curbing unauthorized sales. According to Nintendo, the coordinated strategy involves these platforms taking proactive measures to identify and remove rogue listings that infringe on the company’s intellectual property or misrepresent its products.

The scope includes not only current offerings for systems like the Nintendo Switch, but also anticipated devices such as the Nintendo Switch 2.

Furthermore, the participating marketplaces will regularly exchange information regarding fraudulent activities, aiming for a unified front against unauthorized sellers. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that by combining resources and expertise with major digital outlets, the company can more effectively safeguard both its business interests and its loyal fanbase.

The cooperation is expected to enhance consumer protection, ensuring that customers encounter only legitimate listings when seeking Nintendo products online. Historically, Nintendo has demonstrated a rigorous approach to IP enforcement across its platforms, including the Nintendo eShop and through routine policy updates announced during Nintendo Direct presentations.

The company’s vigilance is reflected in sustained consumer confidence, with the Nintendo Switch platform reaching over 139 million units sold worldwide as of early 2024. Mercari, LINE Yahoo, and Rakuten have all expressed a shared commitment to maintaining marketplace integrity.

By swiftly removing suspicious listings and streamlining communication with each other and with Nintendo, these companies contribute to a safer and more transparent online shopping environment for Nintendo fans. As the gaming community looks forward to the next generation of Nintendo hardware, this collaboration sets a strong precedent for coordinated fraud prevention in the digital age.

With the imminent arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, steps like these are crucial for upholding both quality and trust in the evolving global marketplace.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Rakuten Mercari LINE Yahoo Yahoo Auctions Yahoo Flea Market Rakuten Rakuma