Nintendo tightens anti-scalping measures on Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan through modified packaging contents
In an effort to outsmart resellers, Nintendo has craftily omitted a crucial component from the Nintendo Switch 2 packaging - a physical warranty card. This move makes it a challenge for resellers in Japan to easily sell the coveted console.
As per a report by IGN, the Switch 2 owners in Japan are now compelled to present a proof of purchase, specifically a receipt, to get their Nintendo Switch 2 repaired through Nintendo Japan's official repair service. This change has made reselling the console approximately as hard for scalpers on Japanese online retailers, with some platforms like Mercari Japan now banning receipts.
In the words of TeamSubRockman (X / Twitter translate), a reseller on Mercari: "I'm reselling the Switch 2 on Mercari, but recently, more and more people are listing it with receipts. You need a receipt for the warranty. Buyers want that too."
"Nintendo, you've set up so many traps, it's amazing," TeamSubRockman continued.
In line with thisoved Switch, which did come with a warranty card in Japan, owners only needed to hand in a copy of the card to request a repair.
However, with the new rules, Switch 2 owners in Japan must mail in their receipt along with their console to be repaired, as indicated by Nintendo Japan.
It's worth noting that, in the EU, the Switch 2 warranty only extends the console's warranty for 24 months post-purchase and "does not cover the Product if it has been resold, or used for rental or commercial purposes."
Likewise, the Nintendo of America version of the warranty states: "The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the consumer can demonstrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."
Moreover, proof of purchase is essential for repairs outside of Japan, as stated by the Nintendo UK Terms of Service, and if owners are unable to present a receipt, "the Product will be considered to be outside of your Nintendo Warranty and a service fee will apply for any repair work undertaken."
Curious Facts
Nintendo has not only removed the physical warranty card but has also implemented strict proof of purchase requirements. This new policy directly affects scalpers and the secondary market. Key aspects of this policy include:
- No Physical Warranty Card: Unlike before, the Switch 2 box does not contain a physical warranty letter or card, requiring owners to provide more than just a warranty card for repairs or warranty claims.
- Proof of Purchase: To request a repair under warranty, owners must now provide the original receipt, delivery slip, or another written proof of purchase.
- Impact on Scalpers and Resellers:
- Resale Difficulty: Scalpers must either include their personal proof of purchase (containing identifiable information like address, purchase name, date, and serial number) or risk losing potential buyers due to the absence of warranty support.
- Risk for Second-Hand Buyers: Purchasers of second-hand Switch 2 consoles may encounter issues accessing official warranty repairs unless they can provide the original proof of purchase, which scalpers might not be willing or able to share due to privacy concerns or the risk of being tracked.
- Marketplace Restrictions: Some online marketplaces, for instance, Mercari Japan, have begun prohibiting the inclusion of receipts with resold consoles, making the process more complex for buyers seeking warranty coverage.
- Charged Repairs for Second-Hand Units: During the warranty period, Nintendo Japan will levy repair fees for second-hand consoles unless the buyer can provide original proof of purchase, irrespective of the console's origin.
In response to the absence of a physical warranty card in the Nintendo Switch 2 packaging, users are now required to provide a proof of purchase such as a receipt for repairs through Nintendo Japan's official repair service, making it challenging for resellers like TeamSubRockman on Mercari Japan to easily sell the console. This strict policy implemented by Nintendo directly affects scalpers and the secondary market, increasing the difficulty of reselling the Switch 2 and creating potential issues for second-hand buyers who may not have access to the original proof of purchase.
