Nintendo has quietly made a significant change to how players in Japan can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, removing a controversial eligibility rule that previously limited access to long-time users. The update, confirmed via Nintendo’s official communication on X, eliminates the requirement for buyers to have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch before being allowed to purchase the new console.
This move comes at a time when demand for the Switch 2 remains extremely high in Japan, with availability continuing to lag behind consumer interest. By relaxing this restriction, Nintendo appears to be widening access to a broader audience, including newcomers who may not have been deeply invested in the previous generation.
A Major Barrier for New Buyers Is Lifted
Until now, purchasing a Switch 2 through the My Nintendo Store required users to meet a strict condition tied to their Nintendo Account activity. Specifically, buyers needed at least 50 hours of recorded gameplay on the original Switch, and importantly, time spent on demo or free-to-play titles did not count toward that total.
This requirement effectively blocked casual players and new users from securing the console, as it prioritized long-term engagement within Nintendo’s ecosystem. The policy was widely seen as part of the company’s effort to combat scalping and ensure that dedicated fans had early access to the hardware.
Nintendo has now officially scrapped this requirement for both the Japanese domestic version and the multilingual version of the Switch 2. This means that as of May 25, 2026, players no longer need any gameplay history to qualify for a purchase.
Why Nintendo Changed Its Strategy
Nintendo has not explicitly stated the reason behind the policy shift, but the timing offers some clear clues. The update follows news of a price increase for the Switch 2, suggesting that the company may be looking to balance higher costs by making the console more accessible.
Demand for the system in Japan has been described as overwhelming, with limited stock and high interest creating a competitive buying environment. Removing the playtime requirement allows Nintendo to tap into a wider customer base, particularly those who may be entering the ecosystem for the first time.
In its official messaging, Nintendo emphasized flexibility in its approach, noting that
“purchase conditions and buying limits may change in the future depending on sales conditions.”
This indicates that the company is actively adjusting its policies in response to market dynamics rather than sticking to a fixed strategy.
Purchase Limits Still Apply
While the removal of the 50-hour rule is a notable change, Nintendo has not completely relaxed its safeguards against bulk buying. The company continues to enforce strict purchase limits per Nintendo Account, allowing users to buy only one Japanese version and one multilingual version of the console.
Additionally, Nintendo clarified that previous purchases made through lottery systems or invitation-based sales still count toward these limits. This ensures that users cannot bypass restrictions by participating in multiple sales channels.
The requirement to sign in with a Nintendo Account also remains in place, maintaining a level of oversight and traceability for each transaction. These measures suggest that while Nintendo is easing access, it is still committed to preventing large-scale reselling practices.
