Amazon Starts Charging Significantly Above RRP for Nintendo Preorders in the UK
Amazon in the UK has started charging up to £70 more than other major retailers for several highly anticipated Nintendo preorders, such as Zelda's 40th Anniversary Switch 2 and Metroid Ravenous Special Edition.
Amazon is charging consumers significantly higher prices than the recommended retail price for several Nintendo products preordered in the UK, according to recent reports. The price discrepancies have drawn attention from fans of Nintendo's latest announcements, which included highly anticipated titles like The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary and the long-awaited Ocarina of Time remake, along with new Switch 2 games such as Metroid: Ravenous.
Amazon's pricing has caused a stir among Nintendo enthusiasts, as the recommended retail prices set by Nintendo for these items are far lower than what Amazon is charging.
For example, the 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console, which Nintendo priced at £434.99, is listed by Amazon at £499.99, resulting in a £70 price increase. Similarly, the special edition Switch 2 Pro Controller, originally priced at £79.99 by Nintendo, is being sold by Amazon for £89.99. Even the carry case, which Nintendo listed at £29.99, is priced at £39.99 on Amazon.
This pattern is not limited to the Zelda products, as the Metroid: Ravenous Special Edition, originally priced at £99.99 by Nintendo, is being sold by Amazon for £119.99.
The reasons behind Amazon's pricing strategy remain unclear, with speculation ranging from Amazon attempting to capitalize on the high demand for these products to discouraging scalpers and opportunistic bulk buying. Despite the higher prices, these items have sold out in record time, suggesting that consumers are willing to pay the inflated prices.
Amazon's payment structure, where customers are charged only after the item is dispatched, may allow for price adjustments before the release date. If the higher prices are indeed aimed at discouraging scalping, it appears that the tactic has not been as effective as desired.
Amazon has not yet provided an official explanation for the price increases, and further clarification may be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Nintendo fans are left to decide whether to pay the higher Amazon prices or wait for other retailers to offer more competitive pricing.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
