Nintendo Switch OLED Scalpers Are Selling Consoles For Massive Profit
It's been just a matter of days since Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch OLED, and despite the mid-generation console refresh dividing the gaming community, that hasn't stopped the pre-orders flying in. Unfortunately, that also means the scalpers are circling like vultures.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is due out on October 8 for a retail price of $349.99/£309.99 - meaning it's only £30 more than the classic model.
Still, with critiques that it wasn't the rumoured 4K Nintendo Switch Pro - and there could be potential problems with burn-in on the OLED screen - not everyone will be stumping up the cash.
What's going on with Scalpers and the Nintendo Switch OLED?
Click to enlargeMuch like when pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S went live, gamers have only had a limited window of time to place their orders. There's no hanging around with an "I might buy it later" mentality, because we guarantee by the time October rolls around, the Nintendo Switch OLED will be harder to get your hands on than a unicorn.
Auction sites like eBay are flush with Nintendo Switch OLED listings, with prices already going through the roof. One based in the United Kingdom has a hefty price tag of £800. Although it comes with an official order confirmation from GAME, it's baffling to think someone is already charging well over double the market value.
A quick search also pulls up a listing for a €600 Nintendo Switch OLED from Germany and numerous others. Should we be worried, though? Although there's a listing for £289 that has 15 watchers, that's all they are, watchers. Only recently, we reported how scalpers were trying to make a pretty penny off Super Mario 3D All-Stars, but just because these overpriced listings exist, doesn't mean anyone will bid or the final sale will go through.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED worth the money?
With the announcement of the OLED, it looks like our hopes of a 4K Switch have been scuppered. The mid-cycle release wasn't exactly a surprise, however, many expected it to try and rival the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Instead, we're probably resigned to a Nintendo Switch 2 or whatever is next, years down the line. Considering the Switch has been out since 2017, most of us who were going to buy one have already done so.
Then again, the Nintendo Switch OLED's tempting pricing means that if this is your first Switch, why not spend a little extra? Added to this, the Switch OLED also offers an extra inch of screen for those that think size matters. Finally, an ethernet dock is great news for those who struggle with lag while playing online games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Then again, the lack of a USB port means those beloved GameCube controllers are now obsolete.
The problem is, many see the Nintendo Switch OLED as a relatively minor upgrade at a time it could've kicked the competition to the curb. Then again, with the classic Switch being the best-selling console of 2020, there's always that saying of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Either way, expect the scalper scandal to continue growing as we head toward the Nintendo Switch OLED's October release.
