Every time a new console hits the market, the excitement is usually immediate. In the case of the Nintendo Switch 2, its success was predictable: thousands of people were eagerly awaiting it, and, as expected, it has broken sales records since its release. However, the phenomenon doesn’t come alone. Along with that initial frenzy, an old and annoying companion returns: speculation.
At present, it’s nearly impossible to find a Switch 2 available. Major official retailers are out of stock—many don’t even display the console in their catalog. Others only allow you to leave an email address to be notified when new stock arrives. But the most concerning issue is the resurgence of the parallel market: resellers who take advantage of the shortage to inflate prices far beyond the original value.
This phenomenon is not new. We’ve seen it time and time again with the launch of next-gen hardware, both consoles and PC components. High demand combines with limited production, and in that scenario, speculators buy in bulk to resell at exorbitant prices. We’re not talking about a slight markup: in some cases, hundreds of euros are added to the original price, plus outrageous shipping fees—even from nearby countries.
Unfortunately, the Switch 2 has not escaped this reality. Even on Nintendo’s official store, the product is sold out, with priority given to customers who pre-ordered. Meanwhile, on platforms that allow reselling, there are already listings offering the Mario Kart World bundle for €650, plus €50 shipping. A total of €700 for a set whose official price is around €510.
While many users choose to wait for an official restock, some either don’t want to—or can’t—wait, and end up paying these inflated prices. Thus, speculators continue to find fertile ground, knowing they can repeat the same move with every new release.
If you didn’t reserve your Switch 2 in advance, the wisest thing to do is be patient. Otherwise, you’ll have to face a kind of “luxury tax” imposed by those who turn the passion for video games into an opportunity for unchecked profit.
