Nintendo has just complicated things for scalpers of the Switch 2.

      Playtime history will now determine eligibility for purchasing a Switch 2.

      Nintendo has introduced a new account-history criterion for buying a Switch 2 in Japan to prevent scalpers from acquiring the consoles. This regulation specifically targets the multi-language Nintendo Switch 2 available through the official Japanese Nintendo Store, which has been bought in large quantities by resellers due to its lower price in Japan compared to other markets.

      The price disparity explains scalpers' interest. The multi-language Switch 2 is significantly cheaper in Japan. This difference allows resellers to import units and sell them at a higher price overseas, especially when official stock is still not replenished. The Japan-exclusive model, which only supports Japanese text and characters, is not influenced by this new guideline.

      Nintendo is utilizing account history as a filter.

      Nintendo announced on X that it had detected multiple orders suspected of resale activity, leading to a temporary halt in sales of the multi-language model. Once sales resume, buyers will have to meet stricter requirements. Their Nintendo Account must display at least 50 hours of playtime on the original Nintendo Switch by 11:59 PM on May 31, 2026. Playtime accrued from demo titles and free software will not be counted.

      The company is also restricting purchases to one console per Nintendo Account. This limits repeat buying and discourages the creation of new accounts for resellers.

      Nintendo is adopting a strategy similar to Valve’s.

      The Switch 2 has emerged as a top contender among handheld gaming consoles, especially after Valve's Steam Deck price increase made PC handhelds more costly for many consumers. However, Nintendo's console is likely to face price hikes soon as well.

      Scalpers have long been a problem for gamers. Valve experienced a comparable issue with the recent launch of the Steam Controller, where units quickly sold out and appeared on resale platforms at inflated prices. Valve's response included implementing a reservation queue, purchase-history checks, and a limit of one controller per account.

      Nintendo is now applying a similar strategy to the Switch 2. New accounts will find it significantly more challenging to pass the verification process, which could curtail bulk purchases through the Japanese store.

      I have around four years of experience, primarily focused on gaming, PC hardware, and smartphones. In my leisure time, I enjoy…

      I tried ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally X20, and the 171-inch screen transforms everything.

      Asus developed a handheld gaming package that acts like a home theater.

      Gaming handhelds are appealing due to their portability, yet this is also one of their main drawbacks. I was reminded of this while testing Asus’ new ROG Xbox Ally X20 bundle at Computex 2026. The Ally X20 itself is a more refined version of the ROG Xbox Ally X. Although its enhancements may seem minor on paper, they significantly enhance the device's overall feel. However, the standout feature was the included ROG XREAL R1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses.

      While I came to experience the 20th anniversary edition of ASUS' handheld console, the enormous 171-inch screen unexpectedly captured my attention.

      From Handhelds to Monitors, these were the most impressive improvements at Computex 2026.

      I attended Computex in Taipei anticipating only specifications improvements, but left convinced that four distinct categories had been revitalized.

      Every year, Computex showcases the next big innovation. This can mean a new processor with additional cores, a laptop that is 200 grams lighter, or a monitor that exceeds its predecessors in speed. Occasionally, however, a trade show surprises attendees not with an individual product but with entire categories feeling refreshed. That's exactly the experience I had at Computex 2026.

      After spending several days navigating the exhibition, testing products, conversing with engineers, and getting lost among the booths more times than I can count, one insight became evident. The most significant stories revolved around entire categories finally moving past outdated limitations. Monitors became smarter, handheld devices matured, creator laptops gained adaptability, and ARM processors began to resemble genuine powerhouses rather than just niche options.

      Your first glimpse of the Steam Machine might be just around the corner.

      A new leak hints that Steam Machine reviews are imminent.

      Valve has already announced a summer 2026 timeframe for its Steam Machine, with recent FCC filings suggesting June 29 as a potential launch date. Now, a new leak indicates that the hardware might already be in the possession of reviewers, making the expected timeline feel much more plausible.

      According to the Steam Hardware Update account on X, Valve has begun sending Steam Machine review units to a select group of reviewers and content creators.