Tag: scalpers

  • Chaos at McDonald’s Pokémon TCG Promotion in Japan: Scalpers Waste Food

    Chaos at McDonald’s Pokémon TCG Promotion in Japan: Scalpers Waste Food

    Key Takeaways

    1. McDonald’s Japan faced overwhelming demand for Pokémon TCG cards in Happy Meals, causing the promotion to end early and leaving fans disappointed.
    2. The fast-food chain aimed to prevent scalpers by not selling cards separately; however, scalpers still found a way to profit, leading to wasted meals.
    3. Customer restrictions limited purchases to five Happy Meals per person, but many ignored requests to avoid reselling, resulting in long lines and littered streets.
    4. Exclusive toys given out prior to the card packs also attracted large crowds, similar to promotions seen in North America.
    5. The Pokémon TCG Pocket mobile game faced controversy over uncredited artwork, prompting the company to apologize and replace the images.

    Despite many troublesome promotions, companies still find it hard to avoid teaming up with Pokémon TCG. The most recent issue occurred in Japan, where McDonald’s included limited edition cards in their Happy Meals. The event was scheduled from August 9th to 11th, but due to an overwhelming response, the fast-food chain had to end it early. Many Pokémon fans were left disappointed, and uneaten meals littered the streets of the city.

    Sales Strategy

    In contrast to similar promotions in the U.S., McDonald’s Japan opted not to sell the Pokémon cards separately. The intention was to prevent scalpers who only wanted to resell the cards. However, according to Nintendo Soup, the card packs are being sold for about 2,000 yen, which is roughly $13, while a Happy Meal costs only 500 yen, around $3.50. With the chance for profit, scalpers abandoned a heap of leftover burgers and chicken.

    Customer Restrictions

    McDonald’s allowed a maximum of five Happy Meals with Pokémon cards per customer and requested that buyers refrain from reselling the packs, which was largely disregarded. Social media is filled with videos and images of long lines with Pokémon fans scrambling for the limited stock. What’s more alarming to some observers is the mountain of trash left outside the restaurants. While Japan enjoys one of the lowest homelessness rates globally, both locals and tourists are voicing their concerns about this clear wastefulness.

    Before the card packs were released, McDonald’s gave out exclusive toys. Although these toys may not be as sought after by scalpers as the cards, they still attracted large crowds. Retailers in North America, like Costco, have experienced similar situations when new sets are launched.

    Digital Controversies

    The mobile game Pokémon TCG Pocket also faced its own controversy recently. Players discovered that some digital cards featured designs from an uncredited artist. The company has since apologized and replaced the images. It’s hoped that the Happy Meal cards given out at McDonald’s showcase original artwork.

    Source:
    Link

    Chaos at McDonald's Pokémon TCG Promotion in Japan: Scalpers Waste Food

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply

    Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 launched successfully, selling over 3 million units in a few days, causing high demand and low retail availability.
    2. Scalpers are reselling Switch 2 units at inflated prices, with listings on eBay starting around $537, much higher than the retail price.
    3. Game bundles for the Switch 2, like the Mario Kart World bundle, are also being sold for significantly higher prices, around $600.
    4. Nintendo is expected to continue producing more Switch 2 units, which may lead to restocks and better availability.
    5. To find a Switch 2, consumers should sign up for alerts, check local retailers, and use websites like Stock Informer for stock updates.

    The Switch 2 debuted earlier this month and received a fantastic reaction, with Nintendo selling over 3 million units in just a few days. Given this level of excitement, it’s not surprising that finding the console at its retail price is quite difficult during its launch month in the US.

    Scalpers Take Advantage

    The past few years have shown us the GPU and PS5/Xbox Series shortages, and now scalpers are taking the chance to grab Switch 2 units at MSRP, only to resell them at much higher prices.

    For example, the least expensive “Buy it now” option for a Switch 2 on eBay is about $537 as of now. There are other similar listings, but many of the sellers are based outside the US. The lowest price from a US seller is $600 and includes an option for local pickup.

    Game Bundles Are Pricier

    Pricing for game bundles is even more staggering. The Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle, which has a suggested retail price of $499.99, is currently listed on eBay for over $600. Interestingly, many buyers seem willing to pay these inflated amounts for the Nintendo Switch 2.

    It’s worth noting that we don’t suggest buying the Switch 2 from scalpers. Unlike the recent Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series launch, Nintendo had a good amount of Switch 2 stock ready for sale. This gives us hope that they will continue to produce more units, leading to regular restocks.

    Finding the Switch 2

    Since the Switch 2 has only been available for around two weeks, retailers like Best Buy and GameStop are having a tough time meeting the initial demand. Therefore, a good plan is to sign up for alerts wherever possible, check in at your local GameStop, Best Buy, or Walmart, and frequently visit their online stores.

    Source:
    Link

    Nintendo Switch 2: Scalpers Exploit High Demand and Low Supply
    Tags: , ,
  • Best Buy Switch 2 Release Date: Anti-Scalper Plans Explained

    Best Buy Switch 2 Release Date: Anti-Scalper Plans Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th, with late-night store openings on June 4th at select Best Buy locations.
    2. Best Buy will use a ticketing system to prevent scalpers from buying multiple consoles, with two separate lines for pre-order pickups and walk-in customers.
    3. There will be no online sales of the Switch 2 during the first week of its launch.
    4. Best Buy is collaborating with GameStop for the launch event, with only games and accessories available online.
    5. All customers, including non-pre-order individuals, may receive a limited edition coin featuring Nintendo and Best Buy logos.

    Even though the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, some purchasing information remains unclear. Best Buy has shared an update on their site, explaining their late-night store opening plans. To combat scalpers, the retailer will implement a ticketing system. Moreover, there won’t be any online sales for the consoles during the first week of the launch.

    Late-Night Openings

    Some gamers may call it a midnight launch, but Best Buy’s hours include late-night openings on June 4th in various U.S. time zones. The retailer has provided a list of locations so gamers can see where they can line up to get their hands on the new device. Those who successfully pre-ordered the Switch 2 can come at the designated times to pick up their consoles. Best Buy will also have a limited supply of handhelds available for other customers, but they haven’t specified the exact numbers.

    Two Lines for Launch Event

    As anticipated, Best Buy will manage two separate lines during the Switch 2 launch. One line will cater to customers picking up their pre-orders, while the other will be for those who have not made a reservation. To stop scalpers from acquiring multiple consoles, Best Buy will distribute tickets. However, these resellers often find innovative ways to get around such rules.

    Previous Console Launches

    The last significant console release was the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in November 2020. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic disrupted in-person launch events, forcing retailers to sell systems online, which led to ongoing struggles with bots. This time, for the Switch 2, Best Buy is collaborating with GameStop to celebrate the release date. Notably, only games and accessories will be sold on the Best Buy website.

    All customers, including those without a pre-order, could also receive a limited edition coin. Although leaked images of the collectible haven’t excited fans, it will showcase both Nintendo and Best Buy logos.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Sell Out: eBay Users Fight Scalpers

    Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Sell Out: eBay Users Fight Scalpers

    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.

    Source:
    Link

    Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Sell Out: eBay Users Fight Scalpers
    Tags: , ,
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order on eBay: Prices Rising Before Release

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order on eBay: Prices Rising Before Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has implemented rules to prevent scalpers from reselling the Switch 2, requiring a year-long Nintendo Switch Online subscription for purchases on their website.
    2. In the UK, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are being sold at inflated prices on eBay, exceeding the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
    3. Retail sales for the Switch 2 are ongoing in the UK, while U.S. sales are delayed due to new tariffs, creating complications for buyers.
    4. eBay listings for the Switch 2 must comply with specific guidelines, including a promise to ship within 40 business days, raising concerns about the authenticity of many listings.
    5. Many eBay listings have been removed for rule violations, but compliance may improve as the official release date of June 5th approaches.

    Nintendo has introduced rules to stop scalpers from reselling the Switch 2. To buy one, gamers need to have had a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for at least a year, along with other requirements. However, these rules only apply to purchases made through Nintendo’s own website. Meanwhile, buyers in the UK and other areas are already reserving consoles from retailers, and eBay sellers are making a profit. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 are selling for much more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

    High Prices on eBay

    Some of the top sales on eBay UK include the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle. For instance, one bundle sold for over 600 British pounds, which is around 773 US dollars. With an MSRP of £429.99 and $499.99, these sales don’t represent record-breaking profits for scalpers on new consoles. Still, with criticism about Nintendo’s pricing, it’s clear that some buyers are willing to pay a premium.

    Retailer Sales and Complications in the US

    Various UK retailers like Argos and Amazon have started their sales or sent out invitations. In contrast, the situation for Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the United States is more complex. Following news of new tariffs under Trump, the company has delayed sales there. This might mean that eBay could be the only option for sellers who manage to get their hands on the console.

    It’s still uncertain whether any of the eBay transactions will go through without getting canceled. Per the guidelines on eBay UK, “Presale listings must promise that the item will be shipped within 40 business days after purchase.” Sellers must also make it clear that they are listing a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order that will be shipped within that time frame. This policy is also valid for eBay in the US and Australia. Given that the console is set to officially launch on June 5th, many of these sales don’t seem to be genuine. However, the “40 business days” requirement could push the shipping date closer to the launch.

    Missing Listings and Future Sales

    A lot of the eBay listings have recently disappeared due to rule violations. Nonetheless, as the release date for the Switch 2 nears, it should become easier for sellers to comply with eBay’s requirements.

    Source:
    Link

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order on eBay: Prices Rising Before Release
    Tags: , ,
  • GeForce RTX 5070 Ti AIB Card Bought for $1000 Before Launch

    GeForce RTX 5070 Ti AIB Card Bought for $1000 Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. A buyer obtained the Asus Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC GPU before its official launch, highlighting retailers’ disregard for embargo dates.
    2. The RTX 5070 Ti was purchased for approximately $1250-$1350, significantly above its MSRP, but is currently not very useful due to the lack of available drivers.
    3. Similar incidents have occurred with retailers like Proshop, which sold RTX 5090 GPUs to scalper bots without canceling the orders.
    4. Anticipated supply for the RTX 5070 Ti is expected to be tight, leading to potential scalper issues and high prices for consumers.
    5. The RTX 5070 Ti is projected to offer a 16-18% performance increase over its predecessor, raising questions about its value compared to upcoming AMD cards.

    According to a recent post on Reddit, a buyer managed to get their hands on the upcoming Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti gaming GPU before its official launch. The specific model, Asus Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC, was purchased by the original poster (OP) for a price significantly higher than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), though the exact price details were not disclosed. With the RTX 5070 Ti scheduled to launch on February 20th, this situation demonstrates once again that many retailers seem to disregard embargo dates.

    Similar Incidents

    A comparable situation occurred with European retailer Proshop, which sold nearly all of its RTX 5090 GPUs to a scalper bot that completed the transaction before the embargo ended, and Proshop didn’t even attempt to cancel the orders. The Redditor acquired the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti two days before its official release, although some might contend that the card isn’t very useful to the buyer at this point since drivers aren’t available yet. From additional comments made by the OP, it seems the card was purchased for around $1250-$1350 after taxes.

    Future Implications

    For those planning to buy a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti on the 20th, they can probably expect the same situation witnessed last month with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 launches. Rumors suggest that the supply of the RTX 5070 Ti will be just as tight as that of its more expensive counterparts, putting gamers at the mercy of scalpers and pre-order lines. With several RTX 5070 Ti listings already appearing at prices over $800, those waiting to buy may need to dip into their savings for a taste of mid-range Blackwell.

    Performance Expectations

    Based on the information we have so far, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is expected to show a 16-18% increase in raw gaming performance compared to its predecessor. Whether this improvement justifies the high pricing remains uncertain, especially with AMD preparing to launch its more reasonably priced RDNA 4-based RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT cards early next month.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

    UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

    Scoring an Nvidia RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 right now feels like trying to catch a ghost in a silicon wasteland. The reasons? The usual suspects: limited stock, huge demand, and scalpers. We shared an update about the situation in Europe, and a recent note from a well-known UK retailer presents a similarly bleak picture. It looks like those eagerly awaiting a new RTX 5090 GPU might have to hang on for as much as four months.

    Stock Updates

    Overclockers UK, in a recent statement, disclosed that they have completely run out of the Nvidia RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 – not shocking at all – and have paused pre-orders for now. Furthermore, the retailer mentioned that the RTX 5090 is anticipated to be available again sometime in the next 3 to 16 weeks, while the RTX 5080 should be back on shelves within 2 to 6 weeks. Basically, anyone in the UK hoping for a new GeForce RTX 50 GPU may need to exercise patience for several months.

    Scalper Advantage

    Given that the Nvidia RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 have been selling for thousands of dollars, it’s clear that scalpers are making huge profits from the shortages. The RTX 5090 has received mostly favorable reviews, even if its improvements over the previous generation are somewhat slight. However, the RTX 5080’s performance upgrade compared to the RTX 4080 Super was not that impressive. Yet, this lack of a significant boost doesn’t seem to dampen the excitement surrounding the cards, as evidenced by the stock issues and Overclockers’ assertion of “incredibly high demand.”

    Conclusion

    Overclockers UK, highlighted by Wccftech, continues to show the struggle consumers face in obtaining these coveted GPUs.

    Source:
    Link

    UK Retailer Warns of Four-Month Delay for RTX 5090 and 5080

     

    Tags: , ,
  • RTX 5090 at $2,799 and RTX 5080 at $1,899: Price Leak

    RTX 5090 at $2,799 and RTX 5080 at $1,899: Price Leak

    Just recently, the official pricing for the new Blackwell series graphics cards from Nvidia was revealed. The author noted that the flagship RTX 5090’s price was “pretty fair,” while the other models were “priced reasonably”:

    High Expectations for the RTX 5090

    It was no secret that the GeForce RTX 5090 would come with a hefty price tag, given its impressive specifications, including 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM and 21,760 CUDA cores. The listed price for the RTX 5080 appears to be acceptable. However, gamers looking to get the highly modified Asus ROG Astral OC version should prepare to spend an additional $900, bringing the total to $1,899.99—this amount is before any scalpers get involved. Gigabyte also has a pricier version of the RTX 5080, called the Windforce SFF, which is reportedly priced at $1,369.99.

    Price Surprises for Custom Boards

    The custom RTX 5090 models are also facing some surprising pricing strategies. A list shared on Reddit and NeoGAF seems to stem from a mistake by B&H Photo and PC PartPicker. For instance, MSI’s Ventus 3X OC variant is being offered for $200 more than Nvidia’s suggested price. The premiums quickly escalate, with some models costing over $400, $500, and even $800 more than Nvidia’s official retail price, with the previously mentioned Asus card at the forefront:

    RTX 5090

    – Asus ROG Astral OC: $2,799.99
    – Asus TUF Gaming: $2,449.99
    – MSI Suprim Liquid SOC: $2,499.99
    – MSI Suprim SOC: $2,399.99
    – MSI Vanguard SOC Launch Edition: $2,379.99
    – MSI Vanguard SOC: $2,379.99
    – MSI Gaming Trio OC: $2,349.99
    – MSI Ventus 3X OC: $2,199.99

    RTX 5080

    – Asus ROG Astral OC: $1,899.99
    – Asus TUF Gaming OC: $1,699.99
    – Asus Prime OC: $1,499.99
    – Asus Prime: $1,399.99
    – Gigabyte Windforce SFF: $1,369.99
    – Gigabyte Gaming OC: $1,199.99

    – MSI Suprim Liquid SOC: $1,299.99
    – MSI Suprim SOC: $1,249.99
    – MSI Vanguard SOC: $1,229.99
    – MSI Gaming Trio OC: $1,199.99
    – MSI Gaming Trio OC (White): $1,199.99
    – MSI Inspire 3X OC (Gold): $1,169.99
    – MSI Ventus 3X OC Plus: $1,139.99

    Scalpers Will Likely Dominate the Market

    Considering that only a limited number of units are expected to be available at launch, it’s clear what’s likely to happen: Scalpers will grab all the stock and attempt to sell them at ridiculous prices on eBay. For those looking for a more affordable option, maybe check out something from the Lovelace series: the Asus Dual GeForce RTX 4070 is currently being sold for $569.99 on Amazon.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Faces High Scalper Prices

    PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Faces High Scalper Prices

    The pre-sale event for the PlayStation 5 Pro and the exclusive 30th Anniversary Edition began at 10 a.m. on September 26, 2024, but it seems to have caused a lot of frustration among fans. Many eager buyers rushed to Sony’s PlayStation Direct site to grab one of the initial consoles. Unfortunately, the high demand quickly resulted in overloaded servers and extensive waiting times. Shortly after, both the PS5 Pro and the anniversary edition sold out completely.

    Scalpers Take Advantage

    While numerous genuine fans walked away empty-handed, some scalpers managed to purchase the limited 30th Anniversary Edition of the PS5 Pro. These individuals aim to profit from the artificial scarcity by reselling the consoles at inflated prices. Reports suggest that scalpers are targeting profits in the high four-digit range for the 30th Anniversary Edition. Originally priced at $999 by Sony, this special edition was already appearing on eBay with outrageous listings reaching up to $35,000. Although the average price at that time hovered around $3,000, some listings went as high as $5,000.

    Standard PS5 Pro Pricing

    The regular version of the PS5 Pro is also being resold at higher prices, but the markup from its original price of $699 remains in the triple-digit range. Current listings on eBay for this console were approximately $1,000 at the time of the research.

    Upcoming Opportunities

    For those still hoping to secure a 30th Anniversary Edition, there is a silver lining: the pre-sale for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition in the anniversary design will commence on October 10. Fans will have another chance to acquire a PS5 in the nostalgic gray design without succumbing to the scalpers’ inflated prices.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,