Nintendo has partnered with leading online retailers to prevent and investigate potential scalping fraud for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. With anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 at an all-time high, some buyers might fall victim to scams. Nintendo is stepping in to ensure a fair and secure purchasing experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is nearing its official release, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next-generation console. While Nintendo remains committed to supporting the original Switch, the advanced features and launch lineup for the Switch 2 have generated immense excitement among gamers.

Unfortunately, this excitement can be exploited. Nintendo has now joined forces with three major Japanese online marketplaces—Mercari, Yahoo Japan, and Rakuten Group—to combat Nintendo scams and fraudulent listings. According to Nintendo's official statement, these platforms will actively monitor and remove suspicious Nintendo product listings, including those for the Switch 2. Sellers involved in fraud may face legal consequences.

Nintendo has a well-documented history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, particularly in Japan. Past incidents include the arrest of Switch and Pokémon modders for selling altered devices. With retailers now sharing seller information with Nintendo, legal action against fraudulent sellers is highly probable.

While similar measures haven't been announced outside Japan, Nintendo has implemented safeguards to deter Switch 2 scalping and leaks. Some individuals who obtained the console early reportedly found that the Nintendo Switch 2 requires a day-one patch to function. This ensures that even if the console is acquired prematurely, it remains unusable until the official release. Buyers in Western markets should remain cautious, as platforms like eBay are not currently part of Nintendo's anti-fraud initiative.