Retailer Issues Warning Against Switch 2 Scalper Listings

Mario Bautista May 26, 2025

Summary

Yahoo Japan warns against Switch 2 scalpers, advises users to shop smartly.
Initial Switch 2 pre-orders chaotic in US and Canada, shifting to waiting lists.
Yahoo Shopping is removing fraudulent listings, and Nintendo is working to meet demand.

Yahoo Shopping of Japan warned all its customers by petitioning them to stay away from scalper listings of the Nintendo Switch 2. Yahoo Japan reiterated Nintendo’s plans to ramp up the availability of the Switch 2 ahead of its June 5 launch, urging users to shop calmly and avoid spending more money than necessary on Nintendo’s upcoming system.

The announcement came weeks after the Switch 2 started taking pre-orders globally. Despite initial delays due to the Trump administration’s tariffs on global goods from nations like China, the Switch 2 was available for pre-order starting April 24. However, Switch 2 pre-orders in the US and Canada proved chaotic, as the websites of retailers like Best Buy and Walmart struggled with demand. As of this writing, Switch 2 pre-orders have mostly shifted to the My Nintendo Store email waiting list, as the company utilizes ways to deter scalpers and offer customers an easier opportunity to buy a new console and accessories.

Rumor: Nintendo Direct Could Be Happening Soon

The next Nintendo Direct—expected to include multiple release date announcements—is reportedly happening in a matter of days.

As retailers shift toward offering better Switch 2 inventory on launch day, a popular Japanese website warned users to shop smartly. According to a post from Yahoo Shopping in Japan (and translated by Stealth40k on Twitter), the retailer asked customers to avoid scalper listings for the Switch 2 system and to shop smartly ahead of the June 5 launch. Yahoo Shopping stated that the Switch 2’s launch may cause confusion in the Japanese market due to the increased attention and cautioned users to pay attention to market trends. Yahoo Shopping cited a previous statement from Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, who said that Nintendo would ramp up production of Switch 2 consoles as overwhelming demand for the system in Japan caused problems for the company’s console lottery system. Nintendo asked users to remain patient as it worked with retailers to keep Switch 2 stock flowing.

Yahoo Shopping reiterated that any listings of goods that are not yet available violate the site’s terms of use, and it would continue to take down fraudulent scalper listings for the Switch 2. Between that and continued efforts by Nintendo fans to deter Switch 2 scalper listings from appearing on eBay, it remains to be seen how effective Nintendo and Yahoo Shopping will be in their efforts to meet customer demand.

Despite the console’s imminent launch, the My Nintendo Store pre-order email list remains an active option for users willing to wait for a chance to purchase a Switch 2 console and accessories directly from Nintendo. Only time will tell how many units will be in stock come June 5.