Nintendo Museum Implements Purchase Limits Amid Scalper Surge on Mercari and eBay

Nintendo Museum in Kyoto Takes Action Against Scalpers as Merchandise Floods Online Marketplaces The highly anticipated Nintendo Museum in Kyoto officially welcomed its first visitors, showcasing a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and historical artifacts sure to delight Nintendo fans of all stripes.

Alongside its immersive displays, the museum’s dedicated gift shop – known as “Bonus Stage” – has quickly become a focal point, offering a collection of exclusive Nintendo-themed souvenirs such as keychains, plush cushions, Hanafuda cards, and other memorabilia commemorating the company’s storied legacy.

However, the grand opening was soon marred by a surge in scalping activity, as resale platforms like Mercari and eBay were inundated with listings featuring museum merchandise at significantly inflated prices.

These resellers quickly snapped up popular items, prompting frustration among both local visitors eager for keepsakes and global fans seeking a fair opportunity to purchase official Nintendo Museum products. In a swift response to mounting concerns, the official X (formerly Twitter) page for the Nintendo Museum released a public statement detailing immediate measures to restrict bulk purchases and curb scalping.

The announcement, addressed directly to customers, outlined strict buying limits on several sought-after items at the Bonus Stage shop.

According to the statement, "In order to ensure fair access to our limited-edition items, we have implemented restrictions on the number of products each visitor is allowed to buy.

For select merchandise, including the Game Hardware Keychain Collections (six types spanning 1983-1999 and seven types from 2000-2017), Hanafuda Phoenix and Hyakunin Isshu Phoenix card sets, Nintendo Museum-themed neck strap and pass case, and Super Mario cookie tin, each customer may purchase only one of each item." Additionally, the policy stipulates that for the series of console controller cushions—including Family Computer, Super Famicom, Nintendo 64, and Wii Remote designs—a visitor can select just one cushion from the four available options.

The magnet collection (featuring seven different Nintendo hardware motifs) is limited to either seven individual magnets or one complete box per person, intended to prevent bulk buying for resale. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and cooperation," the museum’s official statement added, underscoring Nintendo’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its exclusive merchandise and fostering a positive visitor experience. While some social media users have voiced concerns that such restrictions might inadvertently fuel demand and drive scalper activity even higher, Nintendo’s move reflects a growing industry trend of retail intervention to prevent unfair reselling practices.

As the Nintendo Museum continues to attract global attention and local foot traffic, the company’s proactive measures stand as a testament to its dedication to fans and equitable access for all visitors. The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto remains open, inviting fans to celebrate decades of innovative game development and hardware history—now with measures in place to ensure that cherished mementos remain within the reach of true Nintendo enthusiasts.

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