As Nintendo preps for the launch of the rumored Switch 2, they're also laying down a game plan to keep scalpers at bay.
As Nintendo gears up to launch its latest console, rumored to be called the Switch 2, they've got a clear game plan against one of gaming's biggest headaches: scalpers. Remember those times when new consoles would drop and prices on resale sites would skyrocket? Nintendo's idea this time is to make sure there's enough supply right from the start to keep things cool in the market.
Flood the Market, Fight the Scalpers
Nintendo's big boss, Shuntaro Furukawa, explained the plan during a Q&A during a general meeting of shareholders (according to videogameschronicle): their best weapon against scalpers is to make sure you can find a Switch 2 easily at your local shop. They're planning to crank out over 10 million units by the end of FY2025. The idea is simple; if it's easy to buy at the regular price, why pay more to a scalper?
On the tech side, the Switch 2 isn't just about battling scalpers—it's also about giving us some sweet upgrades. Whether it's sporting a 7-inch OLED or an 8-inch LCD screen, better battery life, or a beastly custom Nvidia chip, Nintendo is making sure this console is worth getting excited about.
Strategic Releases & Regional Tactics
Set to drop in the second half of 2024, the timing seems perfect to get these consoles into gamers' hands before the holiday rush hits. And Nintendo's not stopping at just pumping out loads of units. They're also cooking up some special plans for different regions to keep the resale market in check, though they're keeping the specifics close to the chest for now.
For those worried about their collection of Switch games, there's good news: backward compatibility looks likely. That means less scramble for new games and a smoother switch (pun intended) to the new console. Nintendo's also hinting at stepping up their connectivity game with potential Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support, keeping things speedy and smooth.
As we edge closer to the big reveal and eventual release, Nintendo's playing it smart. They know the deal—keep gamers happy and stocked, and the scalpers will have to look elsewhere. If they pull it off, this could be a game-changer in how hot tech items hit the market.