Nintendo implements new purchase restrictions to combat scalping of the Switch 2.

With the chaos in computer hardware pricing fueled by the surge in AI data centers and other market fluctuations, Nintendo is taking steps to combat scalpers who threaten to inflate the costs of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo of Japan has revealed a new policy aimed at making it tougher for scalpers to snag the multi-language version of the console from its Japanese online store. To purchase this version, buyers will need a Nintendo Account that shows at least 50 hours of gameplay on the Nintendo Switch (excluding demos and free software). Additionally, each account will be limited to one console purchase.

Scalpers have noticed that importing the Japanese multi-language version is more affordable due to the yen’s weakened value, leading to a surge in sales through Nintendo’s store. In response, the company has canceled suspicious transactions and implemented the new restrictions. Notably, these measures won’t affect the less expensive Japan-exclusive version, which only supports Japanese text and hasn’t attracted scalpers. This uptick in scalping comes just ahead of the announced $50 price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2, which will rise from $449.99 to $499.99 later this summer.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is not alone in facing a price hike; the ongoing global RAM shortage, driven by Big Tech’s rush to establish unwanted AI data centers, has impacted several gaming consoles. Sony raised the price of the base PlayStation 5 by $50 in August 2025 and another $100 in April, pushing the price to $649.99—$150 more than its launch price in 2020. Microsoft followed suit, increasing the base Xbox Series X from its original $499.99 to $649.99. Valve also announced significant price hikes for its Steam Deck, with the 512 GB OLED model jumping from $549 to $789 and the 1 TB model from $649 to $949. Overall, the situation looks grim for anyone looking to buy gaming hardware.

This challenging hardware landscape has also affected current console owners, prompting manufacturers to extract more from existing users. Recently, Sony announced a price increase for all tiers of its online service, PlayStation Plus. Amidst these rising costs, Nintendo’s proactive stance against scalpers provides a glimmer of hope.

Nintendo finally reacts to the RAM crisis.