Nintendo has withdrawn its products from Amazon’s US website following tensions over how its merchandise is sold and presented. The move meant that Amazon missed out on the record-setting launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which quickly became the company’s fastest-selling console.
Disappearing Listings and Limited Availability
In recent months, shoppers noticed that many Nintendo listings were disappearing from Amazon’s US storefront. Unlike in the past when items appeared as “Sold by Amazon,” indicating a direct relationship, most remaining Nintendo products were only available through independent sellers on the marketplace.
Amazon attempted to reassure Nintendo by offering to apply labels that would “guarantee they’re authentic,” a practice the retailer uses to help track items and protect shoppers from counterfeits. However, the effort did not lead to a broader agreement to resume direct sales.
Official Statements and Market Impact
A Nintendo spokesperson commented,
“There is no such fact. We do not disclose details of negotiations or contracts with retailers.”
Amazon, meanwhile, disputed media accounts of the situation, stating, “The claims made by Bloomberg regarding our relationship with Nintendo are inaccurate.” The company added, “Amazon is pleased to offer Nintendo products directly to our customers as part of our commitment to providing an exceptional shopping experience with the widest selection possible.”
While other major US retailers including Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop stocked the Switch 2 on launch day, Amazon’s US customers were left unable to order the console. Amazon did, however, continue to sell the Switch 2 in other regions, such as Canada, Japan, and the UK.
The Switch 2 has already broken records, with Nintendo confirming it sold more than 3.5 million units in the first four days. The company expects to reach 15 million sales by March, building on the huge popularity of the original hybrid console that allows gamers to play at home or on the go.
Despite the current gap in US availability, Nintendo and Amazon appear to be maintaining some ties. Preorders for the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza have recently appeared on Amazon’s US site marked as “Sold by Amazon,” suggesting the companies may still work together on selected releases. However, as of Friday, the Switch 2 remained absent from Amazon’s official listings and did not appear on Nintendo’s list of authorized retailers.
This development underscores the broader challenges brands face on large online marketplaces, where pricing, control, and distribution remain persistent sources of tension.
