• News

PSA: Scammers Offering Nintendo Switch Consoles at Half Price on Amazon

You can send your cash, but don't expect to receive a Zelda: Breath of the Wild machine in return.

David Craddock

March 29, 2017 2:30 PM

4

Several third-party sellers on Amazon list Nintendo Switch for as low as $148, a price cut of more than half the console's retail price of $300 and change. Don't get your hopes up and your one-click-purchase trigger finger ready: it's a scam.

A user on NeoGAF reported that his girlfriend jumped on a $199 price for a Switch on Amazon. She pulled the trigger out of curiosity, wondering what, if anything, would arrive on her doorstep. Other users have likely been less fortunate, and less aware.

Users who get taken can go through the refund song and dance with Amazon support, but it's better to know what to watch for ahead of time. The Switch is a hot-ticket item and will remain in demand until Nintendo's increase in manufacturing translates into a steady stream of supplies. Given that, most legitimate sellers are looking to flip it for double or higher its standard retail price of $300.

A high price isn't a guarantee that your prospective purchase is on the level, but it is a strong indicator. Scammers are likely underpricing their nonexistent Switch consoles to take advantage of consumers excited at the prospect of getting a great deal.

Scammers are targeting buyers interested in Switch Pro Controllers as well. The peripheral, also in short supply, retails for $70, yet there are numerous listings lower than $10.

We've reached out to Amazon for comment. Until the retailer figures out a way to weed out frauds, exercise caution.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.