Resellers Using Checkout Bots Are Driving the Nintendo Switch Shortage

Resellers Using Checkout Bots Are Driving the Nintendo Switch Shortage

4 years ago
Anonymous $9CO2RSACsf

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bvgqp3/nintendo-switch-check-out-bots-shortage

During the global coronavirus pandemic, demand for the Nintendo Switch console has skyrocketed and retailers have repeatedly run out of stock. Seizing that opportunity, some price gougers on Amazon and eBay are selling Switches for hundreds of dollars over the recommended retail price.

Like lots of money-making opportunities in online-shopping, many of these resellers aren't just stumbling upon their in-demand product of choice. Instead, developers are creating dedicated tools to automatically buy Switches from stores when they come back in stock, and before others get a chance to. Motherboard has traced some of the bulk Switch buying to a community revolving around a new, particular bot. Hundreds of people looking to jump on the gold rush or who are just desperate to get their hands on a Switch for themselves have joined a Discord group where users share tips on how to effectively use the tool.