Nintendo is introducing a new account-history requirement for Switch 2 purchases in Japan to keep consoles away from resellers. The move targets the multi-language Nintendo Switch 2 sold through the official Japanese Nintendo Store, which scalpers have been buying in bulk because it can be bought for less in Japan and resold abroad.

The price difference explains why scalpers are interested. In Japan, the multi-language Switch 2 is considerably cheaper compared to some other markets. That gap gives resellers room to import units and mark them up overseas, especially while official stock remains limited. The Japan-exclusive model, which only supports Japanese text and characters, is not affected by the new rule.

Nintendo is using account history as a filter

Nintendo said on X that it had found multiple orders linked to suspected resale activity and temporarily paused sales of the multi-language model. When sales resume, buyers will need to meet stricter conditions. Their Nintendo Account must show at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Nintendo Switch by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2026. Playtime from demo titles and free software will not qualify.

Nintendo StoreにおけるNintendo Switch 2（多言語対応）の販売につきまして、買い占め等の疑いがある注文を複数確認しましたので、一時的に販売を停止しておりました。…

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) June 11, 2026

The company is also limiting purchases to one console per Nintendo Account. That gives Nintendo a way to reduce repeat buying while making fresh accounts less useful for resellers.

Nintendo takes a page out of Valve’s playbook

The Switch 2 has become one of the most practical handheld gaming console options, especially after Valve’s Steam Deck price hike made PC handhelds a bigger expense for many buyers. Still, Nintendo’s console will not stay immune to higher pricing for long, with its own price increase expected soon.

Scalpers have been a thorn in the side of gamers for years. Valve faced a similar issue with the recent Steam Controller launch, where units quickly sold out and appeared on resale sites at inflated prices. Valve responded with a reservation queue, purchase-history checks, and a one-controller-per-account limit.

Nintendo is now applying a similar idea to the Switch 2. Fresh accounts will have a much harder time passing the check, which could reduce bulk buying through the Japanese store.

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Nintendo’s Japanese branch has announced it’s placed new purchase requirements on the Switch 2, after discovering “multiple orders” suspected of scalping consoles.

The notice specifically highlights the Switch 2 “multi-language” model sold on the Nintendo Store in Japan. To purchase one of these units, customers will now be required to have “50 hours or more” of play time on the original Switch (as of the end of May 2026) before they can purchase this new unit.

As further noted, this does not include the hours spent on demo software or free software, and Nintendo is also limiting Switch 2 orders to one purchase per Nintendo account. Here’s the full translated notice about this via social media:

Nintendo: Regarding sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 (Multilingual) on the Nintendo Store, we have temporarily suspended sales after identifying multiple orders suspected of hoarding or similar activities.

To ensure we can deliver the product to as many customers as possible, we will now limit sales to customers who meet the following conditions. We appreciate your understanding.

Please note that there are no changes to the purchase conditions for the Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese/Japan-only).

<Requirements for Purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 (Multilingual Version)>

・As of 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026, you must have played the Nintendo Switch for 50 hours or more.
*Excludes demo versions and free software.
*The purchase limit is one unit per Nintendo Account.

In case you missed it, Nintendo’s new price for the Switch 2 will come into effect this September in Western markets. In Japan, the new prices have already been applied as of May 2026. The company is also increasing the price of the original Switch hardware in Japan as well as its Switch Online subscription in this location.

The reasoning for these price increases are due to “changes in market conditions” and “global business outlook”. This isn’t isolated to Nintendo, either. Every major player in the console space has announced price increases in recent months in response to global supply shortages and other market factors. It’s even ignited rumours about next-generation hardware delays.

You can find out more about the new prices for the Switch 2 and original Switch in our previous story here on Nintendo Life:

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