Key Takeaways
1. High demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected, with interest from fans, scalpers, and bots.
2. Supply chain issues are worsened by US tariffs, making it harder to obtain supplies for the console’s launch.
3. Not all interested buyers will receive an invitation to purchase the console, prioritizing those with a Nintendo Switch Online membership and gameplay hours.
4. Users are frustrated with scalpers and bots gaining an advantage, leading to the creation of fake listings to disrupt unethical practices.
5. Scalpers are likely to continue thriving, with prices for legitimate listings expected to exceed $750.
Much like the previous model, the new Nintendo console, Switch 2, is anticipated to have high demand throughout the year. Fans, scalpers, and even automated bots are all eager to get their hands on it.
Supply Chain Challenges
Even with the excitement, US President Donald Trump’s tariffs are causing significant issues for supply chains, making it harder to obtain supplies than during any past console release.
Nintendo has hinted that not everyone who showed interest in the console on their website will be able to get one at the launch on June 5, 2025. They mentioned, “Invitation emails will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis to registrants who have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership with a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and a minimum of 50 total gameplay hours, as of April 2, 2025.”
Competition for Preorders
As the invites are sent out on May 8th, users hoping to skip ahead in line find themselves dealing with some of the less ethical parts of the internet, with many retailers like GameStop already out of stock.
This situation has frustrated some users, as they see scalpers and bot users getting an advantage. In response, some have taken action by creating fake listings (sample link one, two) to disrupt these practices.
Many of these listings do not actually provide the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle; instead, they sell a printed image of it while charging the full retail price or even more. Some sellers include notes to warn real buyers, saying things like “If you are not a bot, do not purchase.” Others are more blunt, simply stating “NO REFUNDS” in capital letters. No matter how they are presented, once these listings are flagged by moderators or disappointed buyers on eBay, they are removed, likely due to a violation of the terms of service.
High Prices and Persistent Scalping
With limited secured preorders and fans, scalpers, and collectors all searching for Nintendo’s newest console, it is expected that these tactics will continue. Scalpers will likely keep thriving, with listings that appear more legitimate typically priced above $750 on the e-commerce platform.
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