Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo was frustrated with Amazon’s pricing practices, as scalpers sold games at lower prices than official rates.
2. Amazon faced a warning from Nintendo to address scalpers or risk losing the supply of its products.
3. Despite Amazon’s attempt to label authentic Nintendo products, Nintendo ceased selling on the platform due to dissatisfaction.
4. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon failed, missing out on a record-breaking sales opportunity.
5. Price disparities exist between regions, with lower prices in Asia leading to scalping issues on Amazon in the US.
Amazon has lost the ability to sell the Switch 2, which is known to be the most successful gaming console launch ever, due to its practice of undercutting Nintendo’s prices with low-cost imports.
Nintendo’s Discontent
Nintendo was not happy at all that games like Donkey Kong Bananza, which now costs $69.99 on Amazon—matching the price at Nintendo America—were once available for less. They expressed frustration over this situation, feeling that it was unfair to both them and customers.
Nintendo gave Amazon a warning that it would stop supplying its products if the company didn’t take action against scalpers. These scalpers were buying Nintendo games and consoles in Asia and reselling them on Amazon US for less than the official Nintendo America prices.
Token Efforts
In response, Amazon tried to make a small gesture by labeling authentic Nintendo products on its site, but that didn’t satisfy Nintendo. The gaming giant decided to stop selling its products on Amazon altogether. It has only just started to allow some Switch 2 games and accessories back on the platform, now at their original prices.
Due to this scalping issue, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on Amazon came and went without any sales, missing out on what is considered the biggest console launch in history, with 3.5 million units sold within just days.
Price Disparities
In some Asian countries, the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 is lower compared to the US, and the same applies for Nintendo’s games. For instance, the Switch 2’s cost is around $340 in Japan, but this version is only available in that local market.
Scalpers have taken advantage of Amazon, which is seen as a place for cheap imports from Asia, to sell Nintendo products at lower prices in the US. After finding little support from Amazon, Nintendo reportedly chose to take a stand by pulling its Switch 2 launch, hoping it would encourage the marketplace to adhere to original pricing.
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