Nintendo Comments on Switch 2 Scalpers

As the Nintendo Switch 2 release gets closer, Nintendo has assured fans that it has measures in place to stop scalpers. Limited availability and resellers were a big issue with the original Switch when it launched in 2017, but the company is confident that it can avoid a similar situation this time around. Even though current projections predict the Nintendo Switch 2 will sell well, Nintendo still feels they can crack down on scalpers and stockouts.

There’s still no official release date for Nintendo’s next console, but it’s drummed up a lot of excitement regardless. Analysts don’t expect the Switch 2 to outsell the original, though matching it would be difficult in any scenario, given the first Switch’s record-breaking performance. Even if it doesn’t meet the same standard, the console will see high demand, but Nintendo says it’s ready for the inevitable stampede.

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Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa told Nikkei that Nintendo aims to have sufficient Switch 2 inventory before release to prevent shortages. He mentioned how limited availability during the first Switch’s launch led to issues with scalpers, and that the company is aware of how that impacted consumers. In response, Nintendo is applying lessons it learned then and ramping up its stock before selling the console, giving more buyers a chance to snag one without waiting for a later restocking or buying one on the secondary market. This may confirm earlier rumors that Nintendo is ramping up Switch 2 production levels ahead of its release.

Nintendo Says the Switch 2 Will Have More Inventory at Launch Than the Original

Exactly how many models Nintendo will have ready to ship when launch day rolls around is unclear. However, Furukawa said the company will take “all possible measures” to stop scalpers. In 2024, Furukawa suggested Nintendo was considering legal action against scalpers in some regions to protect Switch 2 availability, but emphasized that a larger initial production run was its primary strategy. Whatever the specifics of the plan, it appears Nintendo has been considering this issue long before announcing the console, so it may be better prepared to handle the release than it was with the original Switch.

Nintendo isn’t the only company that’s had to deal with stockouts and scalpers recently. Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs immediately sold out upon release, and scalpers had even listed them before they were available. That’s precisely the kind of situation Nintendo hopes to avoid with the Switch 2, but fans will have to wait and see how well the company’s anti-scalping strategy will work.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo Switch, scheduled for release in 2025. Confirmed as backwards compatible, it will play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. A full reveal is pencilled in for April 2, 2025.

Brand

Nintendo

Original Release Date

2025