Nintendo’s Strategy to Prevent Switch 2 Scalping Ahead of Console Launch

Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, has made a commitment to confront the challenges posed by scalpers and the reseller market ahead of the highly anticipated launch of the Switch 2. Recently, consumers have been negatively impacted by scalping activities, particularly following the release of the Nintendo Switch OLED in late 2021, which saw pre-orders quickly resold on platforms like eBay for prices that were often double the retail value.

The effects of scalping were also evident during the release of sought-after titles, such as the special edition of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, which became a victim to inflated pricing in the reseller market. Recognizing these issues, President Furukawa discussed potential strategies with shareholders during a recent briefing.

Nintendo’s Strategy to Combat Scalpers for the Switch 2

In an interview with Japanese media, as reported by Nikkei, Furukawa addressed the urgency of ensuring product availability for the upcoming Switch 2. He stated, “We will prepare enough products to meet the demand, ” emphasizing the company’s intent to learn from past experiences to tackle the scalper issue head-on.

Furukawa affirmed the company’s dedication to implementing effective measures, saying, “We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date. We are making preparations.” While he did not specify which strategies would be employed to deter scalpers, ensuring sufficient product supply at launch is certainly a crucial step.

Interestingly, the struggle with the reseller market has prompted other companies, such as Sony, to take precautionary steps. For instance, Sony Japan required users to demonstrate at least 30 hours of gameplay on a PS4 or PS5 account before being eligible to pre-order the limited PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary console. While Nintendo is unlikely to implement such stringent criteria for its Switch 2 launch, it will be intriguing to see what pre-order structure they opt for to safeguard against scalping.

As it stands, Nintendo has yet to announce an official release date for the Switch 2. However, anticipation is high for a potential reveal during a Direct event scheduled for April 2, 2025.

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