Nintendo’s Secret Weapon Against Scalpers: ‘Hidden’ Switch 2 Measures in Japan Unveiled!

In Japan, Nintendo has been actively collaborating with online platforms to curb the resale of the highly sought-after Switch 2 console by scalpers. Yet, the gaming behemoth might have another strategy to deter consumers from purchasing the console from secondary markets.

Typically, home electronics and appliances are accompanied by a tangible warranty card. However, it has been noted by social media users in Japan that the Switch 2 lacks such a card. Instead, to avail warranty services from Nintendo Japan’s official repair centers, proof of purchase is mandatory for the owners of this new console. Consequently, many resellers on Japanese online marketplaces have started including the purchase receipt in their listings, with astute potential buyers requesting it in the product comments. Nevertheless, these receipts have now been listed as banned items on Mercari Japan, a major online marketplace that has seen its fair share of the Switch 2’s resale activity (and even prank listings featuring cardboard light switches mimicking the console).

User TeamSubRockman highlighted this issue among Japanese-speaking users on X, pointing out that listings on Mercari included receipts but this was a clear breach of Mercari’s Terms of Service. The situation has escalated from a grey area to being completely prohibited. “Nintendo is laying down numerous traps, and it’s quite remarkable,” commented TeamSubRockman.

The original Switch console featured a warranty card directly on the box in Japan. For warranty repairs, one only needed to submit the warranty card section (whether original, a photocopy, or a photograph). This is not the case with the Switch 2. As per the warranty information on Nintendo Japan’s website, the original receipt must be included with the console for any warranty repairs. This implies that second-hand Switch 2 buyers in Japan are at risk of being ineligible for free official repair services if their device encounters issues.

Interestingly, the original purchaser’s warranty is also void outside Japan if the Switch 2 is resold. In the EU, the warranty covers the console for 24 months from the date of purchase, but “this warranty does not apply if the Product has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes,” according to the Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Warranty.

In the Nintendo of America warranty version, the warranty is exclusively for the original purchaser “if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo’s satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months.”

Outside Japan, proof of purchase is also required for warranty-covered repairs, as stated in the Nintendo UK Terms of Service for repairs. Without it, the product is considered outside the warranty, and a fee will be charged for any repair.

However, this practice of requiring a valid proof of purchase for warranty repairs is not exclusive to Nintendo. Sony has implemented a similar requirement across all its consoles up to the PS5 and PS5 Pro.

Verity Townsend is a freelance writer based in Japan, previously working as an editor, contributor, and translator for the gaming news site Automaton West. She has also covered Japanese culture and films for various publications.