Summary
Nintendo has partnered with multiple online retailers to prevent and investigate any instances of Nintendo Switch 2 scalping fraud on the sites. WithNintendo Switch 2hype at an all-time high, some buyers may be tempted to take a chance on something that ends up being a scam, and Nintendo is working to put a stop to that.
TheNintendo Switch 2 is rapidly approaching its releaseas of publication time, and fans are more than eager to try out the new console. While Nintendo still intends to support the original Switch for some time yet, the features available on the new console, plus the lineup of launch day Switch 2 games, have stirred excitement among the gamer audience.
Unfortunately, that excitement can be taken advantage of, and now Nintendo has partnered with three major “flea market” retailers to try and put a stop toNintendo scamsand fraud. Nintendo revealed that Mercari, Yahoo Japan, and Rakuten Group are all cooperating with Nintendo in an effort to prevent fraudulent listings of Nintendo products - including, but not limited to, the Nintendo Switch 2. According toNintendo’s press release, these retailers will be monitoring listings for fraudulent Nintendo products, and may respond by taking the listings down and/or by sharing the seller’s information with Nintendo.
Nintendo Has a History of Taking Fraud Very Seriously
Nintendo has clearly given some thought to the situation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 and any of its other outrageously popular releases. It has a history of taking any violations of its rights very seriously, especially in Japan. There have been multiple instances of Switch andPokemonmodders being arrested in Japanafter they attempted to sell the altered devices online. Given that the partnering retailers have agreed to provide information on any sellers suspected of fraud, it’s highly likely that legal action will be pursued against those individuals.
While there’s no outlined plan to do something similar outside of Japan at this time, Nintendo has nonetheless taken steps to try and limit Nintendo Switch 2 scalping and leaks. Some people have allegedly gotten ahold of the upcoming Nintendo console before its release date, only to discover that theNintendo Switch 2 doesn’t work without a day one patch. That way, even if a retailer breaks the sale date or someone manages to steal a Switch 2, they shouldn’t be able to use it ahead of anyone else. Given that there’s no indication of western stores like eBay participating with Nintendo’s anti-fraud efforts, interested buyers should remember to stay aware and scrutinize any listings closely to reduce the risk of being ripped off.
