Nintendo Combats Scalpers With New Switch 2 Purchase Requirements In Japan

Nintendo’s Japanese division has introduced new purchase criteria for the upcoming Switch 2, after uncovering a wave of suspected scalping orders.

The company’s notice singles out the multilingual Switch 2 model sold in Japan, stipulating that buyers must have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch by the end of May 2026 before they can acquire the new console.

Hours accrued on demos or free titles are excluded, and each Nintendo account is limited to a single Switch 2 purchase. The company also temporarily halted sales after detecting multiple orders that appeared to be hoarding or otherwise suspicious.

To broaden the reach of its upcoming launch, Nintendo has announced a new eligibility criterion for purchasing the highly anticipated Switch 2. Beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, only players who have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay on the current Switch will qualify to buy the next‑generation console. Demo versions and free titles are excluded from this count, and each Nintendo Account is capped at a single unit.

In Japan, the Switch 2 will launch at the same price as the current model, with no changes to the purchase terms for domestic customers. The company has also announced that the original Switch hardware and its Switch Online subscription will see price hikes in the Japanese market.

Meanwhile, Western markets will see a new price point for the Switch 2 come into effect this September, following the earlier adjustment already implemented in Japan. This move reflects Nintendo’s strategy to align its pricing globally while accommodating regional market dynamics.

The recent price hikes for Nintendo’s Switch lineup stem from “changes in market conditions” and a shifting “global business outlook.” This move isn’t unique to Nintendo; other leading console manufacturers have also raised prices in recent months as they grapple with worldwide supply shortages and broader economic pressures.

For detailed information on the updated pricing for both the Switch 2 and the original Switch, refer to our earlier coverage on Nintendo Life.