Nintendo is locking Switch 2 multi-language sales in Japan behind 50 hours of Switch playtime to stop scalpers

Nintendo is about to make life harder for Switch 2 scalpers by tightening its grip on the console's sales in Japan. The company is introducing new purchasing restrictions, directly targeting scalpers who have exploited the weaker yen to buy consoles cheaply and resell them overseas at a markup.

These restrictions cover only the multi-language version of the Nintendo Switch 2 that Nintendo sells through its official Japanese store. Scalpers target this version because the Japan-exclusive model supports only Japanese text and characters, making it less appealing outside the country. The multi-language version, on the other hand, works anywhere, and the exchange rate makes Japan an attractive place to source at lower prices.

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Nintendo confirmed on X that it had identified multiple orders suspected of scalping and temporarily suspended sales of the multi-language model. When sales resume, buyers will need to meet two conditions. First, their Nintendo Account must show at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Nintendo Switch. Time spent on demos or free-to-play software does not qualify. And secondly, purchases are limited to one console per Nintendo Account.

"Regarding the sale of the Nintendo Switch 2 (multi-language compatible) at the Nintendo Store, we identified multiple orders suspected of scalping and other such activities, so we temporarily suspended sales. Moving forward, in order to deliver the product to as many customers as possible, we will offer sales to customers who meet the following conditions," Nintendo wrote in an official statement on X.

Nintendo has already announced a $50 price increase for the Switch 2 in the US, bringing the standard edition from $449.99 to $499.99 in September. That upcoming price rise gives resellers an additional incentive to stock up now, making Nintendo's crackdown particularly well-timed.

The approach is similar to what Valve did when the Steam Controller launched recently, using purchase-history checks and a one-unit-per-account limit to curb bulk buying. Nintendo says it will also continue monitoring orders for suspicious activity and has already canceled purchases it believes were intended for resale. The Japan-exclusive Switch 2 remains unaffected by the new rules.