With the Switch 2 launching this year, Nintendo is taking proactive steps to prevent scalpers from disrupting the console’s release. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that the company is preparing to produce enough stock to meet demand and limit resale-driven shortages.
Nintendo’s Plan to Prevent Shortages
In a press conference, Furukawa emphasized Nintendo’s commitment to ensuring that the Switch 2 reaches customers fairly. “We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date,” he stated, according to Nikkei (via VGC). “We are making preparations.”
Nintendo is taking lessons from the original Switch’s launch and the severe supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, a global semiconductor shortage made the Switch one of the most sought-after gaming devices, allowing scalpers to exploit low stock levels for massive resale profits.
The Scalping Problem in Gaming
Nintendo isn’t the only company to have faced this issue. When the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 launched in late 2020, both Microsoft and Sony struggled with supply shortages. Scalpers used automated bots to purchase consoles the moment they were restocked online, making it difficult for regular consumers to buy them at retail prices.
Furukawa reiterated that Nintendo’s strategy against scalping revolves around ensuring an ample supply of consoles. “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 stated.
What to Expect from the Switch 2
More details about the Switch 2 will be revealed in an upcoming Nintendo Direct scheduled for April. Fans eager to try out the new console in person can do so at the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience, an event offering hands-on access to the device.
However, in a predictable turn of events, tickets for the event have already appeared on auction sites. Nintendo has warned buyers to avoid purchasing these, as they are non-transferable and will not be valid for resale.
Nintendo’s Financial Stability and Upcoming Games
Despite a tough sales year, Nintendo remains in a “stable” financial position. The company has several major game releases planned for 2025, including Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which are expected to drive strong demand for the Switch 2.
Conclusion
With the Switch 2’s launch approaching, Nintendo is taking preemptive action to prevent scalpers from exploiting supply shortages. By ramping up production and ensuring a steady stock flow, the company aims to make its next-gen console accessible to genuine buyers. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on the upcoming Nintendo Direct for more details on what the Switch 2 will offer.
