Nintendo Fights Switch 2 Scalpers with All Measures

Nintendo has signaled its determination to tackle potential Switch 2 launch shortages and disrupt scalper operations, with president Shuntaro Furukawa affirming the company’s readiness. “We are making preparations,” Furukawa stated, in response to questions about how Nintendo plans to avoid repeating the supply issues that plagued the original Switch at launch in 2017.

The comments came following the release of Nintendo’s latest financial report, during which Furukawa was pressed on what steps the company is taking to ensure a smoother rollout for its next console. He emphasized that Nintendo will be applying lessons learned from past experiences, particularly regarding unauthorized resellers. “We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date (regarding scalpers and the like),” Furukawa told Nikkei in Japan, as translated by VGC.

So, what might these preparations entail? A major part of the strategy appears to involve ramping up production. Last year, Nintendo stressed that manufacturing enough units of the Switch 2 to meet consumer demand would be a core tactic to undercut scalping activities.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017, limited availability led to widespread stockouts, creating an opening for scalpers to profit from inflated resale prices. However, in July 2024, Furukawa expressed confidence that this time around would be different. “As a countermeasure against resale, we believe that the most important thing is to produce a sufficient number to meet customer demand, and this idea has not changed since last year,” he explained.

He added that Nintendo is also exploring additional anti-scalping strategies within legal boundaries, tailored to regional circumstances. “Although we were unable to produce sufficient quantities of Nintendo Switch hardware last year and the year before due to semiconductor shortages, this situation has now been resolved. At this time, we do not believe that component shortages will significantly impact the production of the successor model.”

Nintendo is set to host a Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2, 2025, where further details about the console will be revealed. Additionally, the company plans to hold Switch 2 hands-on events in various global cities ahead of launch, giving players a chance to experience the new system firsthand.

Furukawa also addressed concerns about declining Switch sales, dismissing the idea that consumers are holding off in anticipation of the Switch 2. “We don't think the impact of refraining from purchasing is that great,” he said on February 4, 2025. “We think it's a solid eighth year, but we haven't reached our target.”

Looking ahead, Nintendo remains committed to supporting the original Switch even after the release of its successor, provided there is continued demand. In line with this, two major titles—Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond—are scheduled for release on the original platform in 2025.