Nintendo reinstates playtime rule for Japan Switch 2

Nintendo has reinstated purchase restrictions for the multilingual version of its Switch 2 console in Japan, requiring buyers to have a history of extensive gameplay on the original Switch. The company announced the policy on social media after detecting multiple orders suspected of hoarding, which prompted a temporary sales suspension.

Effective immediately, customers wishing to purchase a multilingual Switch 2 unit through the My Nintendo Store must have a Nintendo Account with at least 50 hours of playtime logged by May 31, 2026. This requirement excludes time spent on demo versions and free software. Furthermore, purchases are limited to one console per account. The restrictions apply only to the multilingual model; the purchase conditions for the Japan-exclusive Japanese-language version remain unchanged.

The move marks a return to measures first implemented during the console's launch over a year ago, which were later relaxed. Nintendo stated the reinstated policy is intended to ensure the product reaches more genuine customers. The action comes amid reports that scalpers have been targeting the Japanese multilingual model, likely due to a weaker yen making it a...