Switch 2 preorders are live in some parts of the world–or were live, briefly, before selling out–but Nintendo is warning some consumers to be wary of scammers trying to con eager consumers out of their personal data. In Japan, Nintendo is holding Switch 2 lotteries, where people submit their names for a chance to preorder the upcoming console. The idea is to cut down on scalpers hoarding systems and selling them at exorbitant prices, and to avoid the chaotic mess of online free-for-alls, but it seems unscrupulous actors are taking advantage of the situation in other ways.
Some consumers received emails telling them it was their turn to purchase a Switch 2 and directing them to click on a link that would take them somewhere that was definitely not the Nintendo Store.
“We have confirmed phishing emails disguised as the results of the My Nintendo Store ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ lottery sale,” Nintendo said in a statement on X (translated via Google). “The lottery results sent today will not include a URL for the purchase procedure due to a change in the processing period. If there is a URL for reservations or purchases, it was not sent by our company. Please be careful.”
Nintendo of America is hosting a similar, albeit more restrictive, sign-up process where people who meet specific requirements can register their Nintendo Accounts for a chance to preorder a Switch 2 on the Nintendo Store. Nintendo will send an invitation to purchase the system in May, though some may not receive invitations until after the June 5 launch. The phishing attempts tied to the Japanese Switch 2 lottery occasionally used hard-to-spot methods of covering their tracks, such as minor misspellings or URLs connected to other regions. If you receive such an email, make sure to verify that it’s actually from Nintendo before proceeding.