Scalping
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Nintendo implements restrictions to multi-language Switch 2 in Japan to combat scalpers
Nintendo has implemented purchase restrictions on its multi-language Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, limiting sales to one console per account and requiring at least 50 hours of playtime by May 2026 to combat scalpers exploiting the weaker yen. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Matthew Ball sees hardware price increases as an opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, noting increased usage amidst console supply shortages.
Nintendo Combats Scalpers With New Switch 2 Purchase Requirements In Japan
Nintendo's Japanese branch has implemented new purchase requirements for the Nintendo Switch 2 to combat scalping. Customers must have accumulated at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Nintendo Switch by May 31, 2026, to be eligible to purchase the new console. Sales are limited to one unit per Nintendo account, excluding demo and free software playtime.
Nintendo introduces new Switch 2 purchase requirements in Japan amid scalping concerns
Nintendo has implemented new purchase requirements for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan to combat scalping and price gouging. These measures include a gameplay time requirement and a limit of one console per Nintendo Account. The company also confirmed a $50 price increase for the console in the United States.
Nintendo fights Switch 2 scalpers in Japan with new restrictions – only fans with over 50 hours on premium Switch 1 games can buy multi-language consoles
Nintendo is implementing new restrictions in Japan to combat scalpers of its consoles, particularly the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Buyers must have at least 50 hours of playtime on premium Nintendo Switch games and can only purchase one console per account. These measures aim to ensure consoles reach genuine fans rather than resellers, especially as the Switch 2 is set to increase in price by $50 later this year.
Japan: Nintendo finds fraudulent orders of Switch 2 leading to playtime requirements and 1 unit for each account to prevent scalping
Nintendo has temporarily suspended sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 on its online store due to fraudulent orders suspected of bulk purchasing and reselling. To combat scalping, the company is implementing new purchase requirements, including playtime history and a limit of one unit per account.
Some Target stores start to limit Pokemon merch and TCG sales to stop scalpers
Target stores are implementing purchase limits on Pokemon merchandise and Trading Card Game products to combat scalpers. This move aims to prevent bulk buying for resale at inflated prices on online marketplaces. The retailer hopes this measure will help ensure wider availability of Pokemon items for genuine fans.
The Pokemon Company says 10 billion Pokemon cards were printed in the last year
The Pokemon Company announced that 10 billion Pokemon cards were printed in the last year, accounting for 11.7% of all cards ever produced. The company is also exploring measures like government ID checks in Japan to combat the widespread issue of scalping.
Catch the scalpers who get rich flipping Pokémon TCG cards in this very vindictive shop management game
You're A Scalper, Aren't You? is a new shop management simulation game that focuses on punishing players who engage in scalping collectible cards, particularly those from the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The game allows players to manage their own card shop, identify and interrogate potential scalpers, and decide whether to ban them or do business with them to stay afloat.
Pokémon TCG '30th Celebration' Range Features A Base Set Returner And A Bunch Of Pikachus
The Pokémon Company has revealed details for its upcoming '30th Celebration' expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, set to launch globally on September 16, 2026. The expansion will feature new Futuristic rare cards with Mew and Mewtwo, 30 different foil Pikachu cards in every pack, and callbacks to classic cards like Base Set Charizard. The company is also exploring measures to combat scalping for this highly anticipated release.
10 Billion Pokémon Cards Were Printed Last Year — and It Still Wasn't Enough to Stop Shortages and Scalping
The Pokémon Company produced over 10 billion trading cards last year, bringing the total to 85 billion cards printed to date. Despite this massive output, shortages and scalping continue to affect the market.
The Pokémon Company Is Considering Using My Number Cards for TCG Purchases in Japan To Combat Scalping
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing an identification system in Japan using My Number Cards to combat scalping of its Trading Card Game products and event entries. This measure aims to restrict purchases to Japanese residents and prevent bulk buying for resale. The company is exploring this solution to address widespread scalping issues affecting the TCG market.
Pokemon might soon require government ID in Japan to prevent TCG scalping
The Pokemon Company is considering implementing government ID verification, specifically Japan's My Number Card, to combat scalping of its Trading Card Game products. This measure aims to ensure fair access to certain items, official events, and store purchases, starting in August 2026. The initiative is a response to the increasing prevalence of speculative purchasing and reselling, exacerbated by online personalities and limited edition releases.
The Pokémon Company Considers Government ID Check to Combat Trading Card Scalping in Japan
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a government ID verification system in Japan, utilizing the "My Number" card, to combat scalping and cheating in its Trading Card Game products and events.
Japan: Pokemon Company considering authentication via government IDs to battle TCG scalping
The Pokemon Company is considering implementing government ID verification, specifically Japan's My Number Card, to combat scalping of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This system would authenticate user accounts for priority product lotteries, online sales, and participation in official events within Japan, aiming to prevent inflated prices by requiring official identity checks.
Pokémon Company Considers Using Government ID To Tackle TCG Scalping
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a system that requires government-issued identification, such as Japan's My Number Card, to purchase certain Trading Card Game products and register for events. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure fair access for all customers, with the potential rollout starting in August 2026. While individual ID numbers will not be stored, fans are encouraged to obtain a My Number Card if they wish to participate in future product sales or events.
Valve Opens Steam Controller Reservations To Counter Scalpers
Valve has implemented a reservation system for the Steam Controller to combat scalping and limit reseller activity. Reservations are limited to one per account, requiring accounts to be in good standing and have made a prior purchase on Steam. The company is also working to replenish controller stock across various regions.
Steam Controller reservations announced with scalper protection as Valve admits "the experience for a lot of you trying to buy it was incredibly frustrating"
Valve has announced that reservations for the Steam Controller will open on May 8, following a frustrating launch on May 4 that was plagued by stock issues and scalping. The company acknowledged the negative experience for many customers and is implementing measures to address these problems.
The Target x Pokémon Anniversary Collection Is Proof That the Scalping Situation Is Out of Control
The author describes a disheartening experience at an in-person Pokémon merchandise drop, highlighting the ongoing issue of scalping. The article suggests that the situation with limited edition collections, like the Target x Pokémon Anniversary Collection, is out of control due to scalpers.
New Steam Controller is over £700 on eBay as Valve makes life easy for scalpers
The new Steam Controller, released by Valve, is selling for nearly double its retail price of £85 on eBay due to high demand and limited supply. Some listings have even exceeded £700. Valve has acknowledged the rapid sell-out and is working to increase stock, while also facing similar concerns for the upcoming Steam Machine.
Pokemon scalpers reach new low by reselling limited edition Pop-Tarts
Scalpers are reselling limited edition Pokemon-themed Pop-Tarts for significantly inflated prices, with some listings reaching $50 compared to the original $3 retail price. These special edition Pop-Tarts, featuring characters like Pikachu, Squirtle, and Jigglypuff, were released as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary celebrations and were initially purchased from Target stores.
