Nintendo Finally Combats Switch 2 Scalpers, Over 123 Million Affected

Nintendo is trying to 'switch' up its tactics when it comes to Switch 2 scalpers, and now, you'll have to prove your gaming credentials if you want to get your hands on the next generation of hardware. Even for those who are yet to stump up for a Switch 2 in hopes of prices potentially coming down, a deluge of exclusive titles is making it more tempting than ever to cave.

With an upcoming roster that includes everything from The Duskbloods to an Ocarina of Time remake, and Pokémon Wind and Waves, the last thing we want to do is be left behind. Waiting patiently for your favourite release is only half of the battle, because remember, you need to buy the actual Switch 2 first.

Nintendo Has Had It With Switch 2 Scalpers

Like Nintendo faced issues with bot-driven price gouging back in 2017, it seems it foreshadowed similar scalping issues with the Switch 2. Ahead of the Switch 2's June 2025 release, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa warned: "We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date (regarding scalpers and the like). We are making preparations."

This led to some controversial anti-scalping policies that initially only offered the console to Switch Online subscribers, which stirred allegations of discrimination.

Unfortunately, Nintendo's well-laid plans didn't quite work, with wannabe owners in Japan facing a shortage of units.

There's been a growing trend of black market Switch 2 sales with extortionate prices, leading Nintendo to issue an ultimatum.

Now, Japan's 123 million people could face another hurdle from Nintendo.

Shared on X, the official @Nintendo account confirmed (translated) that it has temporarily suspended sales of the multi-language Switch 2. Nintendo reiterated: "To ensure we can deliver the product to as many customers as possible, we will now limit sales to customers who meet the following conditions. We appreciate your understanding."

While orders for Japanese/Japan-only Switch 2 remain unaffected, the global version is getting a clampdown. As well as orders being limited to one unit per Nintendo account, there's the added caveat that, as of May 31, 2026, "You must have played the Nintendo Switch for 50 hours or more."

If that wasn't enough, this excludes demo versions and free software, meaning you actually have to boot up a copy of an actual game. Considering how many of us have lost hundreds of hours to Tears of the Kingdom, this doesn't feel like too harsh a benchmark.

Anti-Scalper Supporters Cheer Nintendo's Changes

There have been continued complaints about scalpers exploiting a slump in Japanese currency and realising it's cheaper to import the multi-language option than pay for it in other regions. It all comes ahead of a Switch 2 price hike that will see it go up from $449.99 to $499.99 in September.

Although there were a few grumbles from those claiming they haven't hit the 50-hour milestone, most agreed Nintendo is doing this for the good of actual gamers.

Replying to the post, one person said: "I'm glad Nintendo is taking action against scalpers; it's a problem all over the world. But at least it shows Switch 2 is in very high demand."

Another applauded: Well done, Nintendo. The appropriate response, as expected. Make it thoroughly strict and eradicate scalpers!"

Not everyone was sold, as a third suggested that scalpers will still find a way around these new restrictions: "With just around 50 hours, you could meet the purchase conditions by leaving a 100-yen software from an outlet store running non-stop for two days, couldn't you? I think true Nintendo fans who really love it would play for 5,000 hours."

As the September price hike looms, scalpers are likely to keep scrambling to get as much out of us as they can.

READ MORE: Nintendo Reveals A Redesigned Switch 2 Console Is Launching Soon