Nintendo Shuts Down on Switch 2 Scalpers With New Rules

Nintendo has announced new measures to prevent customers in Japan from undercutting the Nintendo Switch 2 by exploiting unusual purchase habits on its official online shop. This includes a tougher purchasing requirement.

Nintendo announced in Japanese a few days ago that they are temporarily halting sales of select Switch 2 models. Nintendo said some orders were flagged as potentially for scalping, prompting the company to review and adjust its sales policy.

The statement applies only to the Nintendo Switch 2, which can be purchased in several languages from Nintendo’s online shop in Japan.

The regular Japanese version is only available in Japan, and is customized for that region. On the other hand, the multilingual edition is for use worldwide and costs extra. Nintendo said it identified several orders that could have been used for resale and other unlawful purchasing. Consequently, sales were suspended while the company implemented enhanced security procedures to ensure that units were delivered only to legitimate clients, not resellers.

To learn more about why some customers recently faced difficulties buying the system directly from Nintendo’s site, go here. The corporation is now becoming more rigorous about controlling demand.

The new rules mean users must meet certain conditions before they can buy a Switch 2 from Nintendo’s Japanese online shop. One of the major conditions is that consumers must have played at least 50 hours on their Nintendo Switch by May 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Nintendo made it clear that test software and free-to-play games will not count toward this criterion. Also, one Nintendo Switch 2 system will be tied to one Nintendo account.

Looks like the new regulations are trying to stop scalpers from setting up a bunch of accounts and buying up a bunch of systems. Nintendo is effectively targeting existing users in its ecosystem by requiring evidence of prior engagement with its games.

But the idea might potentially complicate things for some real buyers.

If you’re looking to upgrade for the Switch 2 and missed the first generation of the Switch, you might not hit the 50-hour mark, even if you’re desperate to get your hands on the new hardware. The corporation appears apprehensive about the domestic and foreign market conditions. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and local price disparities are making Japan an increasingly attractive market for Switch 2 console buyers.

The Switch 2 could also see a price increase in regions like the US later this year, with reports hinting at a $500 base price and even higher for bundled versions around the holiday season. This only encourages buyers to seek cheaper alternatives abroad.

On the other hand, the Japanese multi-language model could cost roughly $425 to $430 depending on currency rates. Dealers can still earn money by buying units in Japan and delivering them elsewhere in the world, even after accounting for shipping and other costs.

Nintendo's analysis reveals that this has become substantial enough to warrant stopping. There may be regions with even higher resale prospects, but Japan looks like one of the best places to buy Switch 2 hardware to sell in other nations right now.

With demand for the next-generation system still strong, Nintendo's new guidelines demonstrate the company's heightened commitment to curbing scalpers and ensuring gamers obtain the available inventory rather than resellers looking to cash in.

It’s unclear whether these actions will actually reduce activity on the secondary market. Still, the business is attempting to address a growing problem around one of the most anticipated hardware launches in gaming.