Nintendo launches official online stores in Shopee and Lazada

Well, this was rather unexpected. As local Nintendo Switch owners will know, all Nintendo hardware and games can only be purchased at local game stores (and their respective online stores) - whose stocks are supplied by distributor, Maxsoft. Maxsoft has also been the local exclusive distributor for all things Nintendo for over two decades.

From this month's onward though, Convergent Systems will also become a Nintendo distributor - essentially breaking Maxsoft's exclusivity here. In fact, according to a press release by Convergent, they have been authorised by Nintendo to operate the Japanese company's official online stores on Shopee and Lazada as well as handling warranty issues for all Nintendo authorised units.

Updated: From October 2021, Convergent will be responsible for warranty fulfilment for all Nintendo products that are authorised local Singapore products. For authorized products that have exceeded the warranty period, Convergent can replace for a cost which they will quote. Convergent will operate the authorised Nintendo service center(s) in Singapore.

Nintendo's Shopee store is already taking in official pre-orders for the much anticipated Nintendo Switch OLED, while its Lazada store will likely open in October to coincide with the launch of the new hardware. Oh, and these sets can be purchased as standalone units too. There are no compulsory game bundle purchase required.

That's great news for Nintendo fans :)