Nintendo cracks down on scalpers. Switch 2 repairs require a receipt

In Japan, the Switch 2 console is sold without a paper warranty. To have it repaired under warranty, Nintendo requires a receipt, invoice, or any other document confirming the purchase. This is stated on the company’s official website.

Buyers quickly noticed that this is a potential anti-scalping measure. If purchased from a scalper, presenting a receipt is possible, but it will contain the personal details of the actual buyer: address, date, and place of purchase, as well as the serial number of the device. This makes it easier to track down those buying up consoles for resale.

Even if the console was gifted or handed over to another person, Nintendo considers it second-hand. In such cases, warranty repairs do not apply — even within the warranty period, and servicing will have to be paid for.

Even before the release of Switch 2, Nintendo openly stated that it would fight scalpers. In Japan, major retailers joined the campaign as well, limiting console sales to one per customer. Now it is clear that less obvious methods have also been implemented.

There is no official warranty in the box — only the website and the requirement to present a receipt. Essentially, this makes it virtually impossible to use the warranty after buying second-hand. Such an approach could cut scalpers off from one of their key ways of convincing customers of the “safety” of the deal.

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Cover author: Nintendo. Cover source: Automaton Media