Scalpers are always a risk when a coveted new thing is launched. Whether it's consoles, games or TCG packs, these vultures come in first to buy them in bulk and sell them at high prices. It seems this is a big problem with physical video game copies in Japan, as Yahoo Auctions has introduced a new feature to discourage scalpers.
All newly released games sold on Yahoo Auctions and the Yahoo Flea Market in Japan will be capped at MSRP. This will ensure that scalpers will not be able to make money from these games by charging an exorbitant amount. The scalping problem has exploded since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and Yahoo has finally fixed it.
Yahoo has found a simple solution to scalping in Japan
In a recent statement (thanks, VGC), Yahoo announced that it will ban sellers from listing new video games at prices higher than their retail value. Not only will the sites not allow the listings to be made, but may also suspend the seller's account in some cases.
“Yahoo! Flea Market and Yahoo! Auctions have long addressed fraudulent resale practices, such as no-inventory listings and image theft,” the statement read. “With the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025, we took more drastic measures to prevent disruption to the trading environment, including banning listings on the secondary market for the first time.
“Now, in order to ensure a safe and secure trading environment, we will introduce a 'ban on the sale of new game software at prices above the list price for a certain period of time' in the games category, effective November 13, 2025. We will continue to strive to create a fair and healthy trading environment, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
These new restrictions should help curb the scalping problem, at least on Yahoo's sites. Hopefully, more such websites can implement this policy to make a real grip on the scalping issue.
- Stamp
-
Nintendo
- Original release date
-
June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
-
$449.99
- Operating system
-
Proprietary
- Resolution
-
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR support
-
Yes
