Even before the official release of Switch 2, Nintendo warned users that it would be taking various countermeasures to prevent scalpers from bulk-buying and reselling consoles. And in Japan, even major retailers were ready to help them in that battle. Though it is still unclear to what extent their attempts are proving to be successful, it seems like they won’t be taking a rest anytime soon, as Japanese gamers have noticed what may be another well-hidden anti-scalping measure: the fact that Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t come with a physical letter of warranty.
As detailed on Nintendo’s official website, if Japanese users want to have their Switch 2 repaired under warranty, they need to save their receipt, delivery slip or any other written proof of them purchasing the console. They warn users that the Switch 2 does not come with a letter of warranty, meaning that they probably won’t be able to repair their console unless they send proof of purchase with their repair request.
Japanese gamers were quick to notice how the lack of a physical warranty letter could affect scalpers – a delivery slip (in case you ordered the Switch 2 online) contains personal information such as your home address, while receipts contain the time, date and serial number of the purchase as well as the name of the store. So even if you bought a console from a reseller and they offered you their original receipt or delivery slip for the purposes of warranty repair, not only will you be technically lying to Nintendo about your identity, but it would also become very easy to track down the location of the scalper. Additionally, Nintendo’s website states that even during warranty period, repairs will be charged for all “second-hand” consoles, regardless of whether the owner received it as a gift or bought it.
