Nintendo Vows to Combat Switch 2 Scalpers with All Measures

Nintendo has officially confirmed it is taking decisive steps to prevent launch shortages for the Nintendo Switch 2 and combat scalper activity, with company president Shuntaro Furukawa stating: “We are making preparations.” This comes in response to questions following the release of Nintendo’s most recent financial results, where Furukawa was directly asked how the company plans to avoid repeating the supply issues that plagued the original Switch at its 2017 launch.

“We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date (regarding scalpers and the like),” Furukawa explained during an interview with Japanese publication Nikkei, as translated by VGC. His remarks signal a proactive stance from Nintendo as it gears up for the highly anticipated Switch successor.

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So, what might these “preparations” look like? Based on previous statements, it largely centers around production volume. Last year, Nintendo emphasized that manufacturing a sufficient number of Switch 2 units to meet consumer demand would be a key strategy in curbing scalping. The original Switch suffered from supply constraints at launch due to component shortages, which allowed resellers to exploit the situation by selling consoles at inflated prices.

However, in July 2024, Furukawa gave a confident update: “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 also noted that global component shortages—which previously affected Switch production—are no longer a major concern. “At this time, we do not believe that the shortage of components will have a significant impact on the production of the successor model.”

Further details about the Nintendo Switch 2 are expected to arrive soon. The company has already announced a Switch 2 Direct presentation scheduled for April 2, 2025, along with global hands-on events planned in various cities ahead of the console's release.

Meanwhile, Furukawa addressed concerns about declining Switch sales, denying that consumers are holding off on purchases in anticipation of the new system. “We don't think the impact of refraining from purchasing is that great,” he stated. “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 Switch 2 launches—as long as there is consumer demand. In fact, two major titles, Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, are set to launch exclusively on the original Nintendo Switch in 2025, reinforcing the platform’s ongoing relevance in Nintendo’s ecosystem.