Nintendo Halts Switch 2 Multi-Language Sales on Japanese Site Amid Scalping Concerns

Nintendo has temporarily suspended sales of the multi-language Nintendo Switch 2 on its official Japanese online store. The company stated it detected multiple orders suspected to be linked to hoarding or resale activity. Sales will resume under new conditions designed to limit bulk purchases.

Sales will resume under new conditions designed to limit bulk purchases.

Key Restrictions

• Eligibility Requirement: Customers must have logged at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Nintendo Switch by May 31. Demo software and free-to-play titles are excluded from the total playtime calculation.
• Unit Limit: Purchases are limited to one console per Nintendo Account.
• Account Restrictions: The new conditions are intended to restrict purchases to legitimate users and block newly created accounts.

Affected Models

• Multi-Language Model: The suspension applies only to the multi-region (multi-language) version of the Switch 2. This model allows users to choose language settings and is sold directly through Nintendo's online store.
• Japan-Only Model: A separate, lower-priced version that restricts language to Japanese and requires Japanese account settings is not affected by the suspension.

Pricing

• The multi-language model is priced at ¥69,980 ($435), which is lower than its international retail price of $449. The international price is scheduled to increase to $499 on September 1.
• The Japan-only version recently increased in price from ¥49,980 ($310) to ¥59,980 ($375).

Context

Nintendo has attributed hardware price increases to rising component costs, currency fluctuations, and broader market conditions. The company has not provided a specific date for when sales of the multi-language Switch 2 will resume on its Japanese store.