Amazon is attempting to curb the sale of used Nintendo games on its platform, according to a mass-email that has been going out to sellers. Starting today, those who sell on Amazon can no longer list used Nintendo titles, or at the very least, first-party ones. No explicit reason was given for this change, though sellers speculate that this is due to an overabundance of bootleg products. Those who list an item for sale that has Nintendo marked as the producer of said item, have been reporting that their listings have been removed for violating Amazon's new rule. In order for sellers to sell any first-party used condition Nintendo controllers, games, or accessories, they need to file for approval on an item-by-item process. Amazon can then deny, or approve said game sale. At this time, it only affects Nintendo games, and Amazon has not clarified as to whether this will impact other first-party products, sold by Xbox or PlayStation.

UPDATE:

Following the initial report of Amazon seller restrictions on used Nintendo products, Amazon has responded to the claims in a very brief official statement. Amazon claims that the email that was distributed to sellers was sent in error, and any removed listings have now been reinstated. Further details are vague, but it appears that sellers will NOT be impacted when selling used first-party Nintendo hardware or games.

Yesterday’s email [to third-party Amazon sellers] was sent in error, and all impacted listings were reinstated within hours.

Source

 

[x65943]

I think Nintendo does have negotiating power. Remember, last year most sold game on Amazon was Super Smash for Switch, it achieved that whiting a single month, during december.

Pip'

Right, but now consider if Amazon wasn't selling it that may have also meant less sales for Nintendo as well - it is not necessarily a one way relationship

 

[MrCokeacola]

Amazon would never do this cause money. Unless Nintendo paid them heavily.

 

[Obveron]

Obviously Nintendo would love Amazon to stop selling used games. but I have no idea what Amazon would have to gain. Sure it's possible Nintendo pays Amazon for the arrangement. but honestly I wouldn't think Nintendo have pockets deep enough to have Amazon abandon their mandate and piss off their sellers and consumers.

 

[Ericzander]

was only a matter of time.
I believe some places in the word do no sell used games.

The article has been updated. Amazon is not restricting sales of the games/products.

 

[stanleyopar2000]

The article has been updated. Amazon is not restricting sales of the games/products.

*oopsdidntmeanto*

They're only doing this because of the potential backlash.
--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

 

[sarkwalvein]

*oopsdidntmeanto*

They're only doing this because of the potential backlash.
--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

And the sun is hot.

 

[Proto-Propski]

Meanwhile, Ebay is flooded with a mass quantity of used Nintendo Games for sale at very reasonable pricing.

 

[Der_Blockbuster]

Who buys used Nintendo games on Amazon anyway am I right?

 

[MrCokeacola]

Who buys used Nintendo games on Amazon anyway am I right?

true

 

[Elwyndas]

I've been selling on Amazon professionally for almost 10 years, and getting this email from Amazon on a Sunday was a big stinker. It gave a lot of good merchants a sleepless night and ruined tons of dinners. I don't have much Nintendo inventory right now, so to me it was not such a big deal, but still it would have meant a substantial amount of lost income down the road. I really wish someone could get to the bottom of this "error". I smell a rotten fish TBH.

 

[FAST6191]

I've been selling on Amazon professionally for almost 10 years, and getting this email from Amazon on a Sunday was a big stinker. It gave a lot of good merchants a sleepless night and ruined tons of dinners. I don't have much Nintendo inventory right now, so to me it was not such a big deal, but still it would have meant a substantial amount of lost income down the road. I really wish someone could get to the bottom of this "error". I smell a rotten fish TBH.

Is this not why people are told to diversify sales platforms/income streams? Sometimes you get pigeon holed or have to specialise but for something like games and amazon that I can't see going.

As far as "error" then my experiences with Amazon inner workings are minimal and now about a decade out but the impression I got from speaking to people back then was there were a fair few checks and balances along the way (though words like bureaucracy were thrown around during said conversation). I too find it hard to believe someone sneezed and set it to that, much less late in the week, and if they did then maybe if seller = one of top ?? then require big boy authorisation probably wants to be added to code.

 

[Deleted User]

"I am feeling very conflicting feelings right now"

 

[SonicRings]

It's nice to see Nintendo making the decision to pirate their games all the more easier by completely banning used games on Amazon. "Oh well, I can't buy that used game I wanted, guess I don't have a choice but to pirate it with a clear conscience!"

 

[Ericzander]

It's nice to see Nintendo making the decision to pirate their games all the more easier by completely banning used games on Amazon. "Oh well, I can't buy that used game I wanted, guess I don't have a choice but to pirate it with a clear conscience!"

The article has been updated. Amazon is not restricting sales of the games/products.