Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to bury the scalpers' overpriced listings, making it harder for buyers to stumble upon them. With the console's launch date set for June 5, pre-orders have been popping up on sites like eBay, with prices ranging wildly from $500 to $2,000.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, especially with the pre-order delay and the flood of exorbitantly priced pre-orders. As the launch date approaches, scalpers have been able to list their consoles with the caveat that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions down the page.

Consider this example: a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450 might seem like a decent deal at first glance. However, the description reveals the truth: "PRE-ORDER SCREENSHOT Please note: You are ordering a picture of the Nintendo Switch 2. This listing is to combat bots and scalpers. No refunds. No cancels. > You will receive an png image of a switch 2. No console." These listings often include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine offers.

Another listing at $550 humorously warns, "Do not, I repeat DO NOT BUY this unless you are a bot or just wish to donate $550 to me. I will be shipping a laser-printed image of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle and that will be all you get. NO REFUNDS. NO. REFUNDS. NO REFUNDS. You will NOT BE REFUNDED you will be receiving the picture whether you like it or not. I'm just gonna make sure to state this again, there will be NO REFUNDS, and you will be getting a laser printed image of a Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle. That is all you will be getting. Oh, one last thing. Did I mention NO REFUNDS? Ok but actually though, it will ship after you order instead of after it releases so you should be getting it before Switch 2 release date."

A third listing at $499.99 states, "This listing is for a printed picture of my Nintendo Switch 2 console confirmed preorder. You will receive a printed picture, folded, and sent in a standard letter envelope. This is NOT for the console itself. No refunds, No returns. F the bots."

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Originally slated for a June 5, 2025 release, the Nintendo Switch 2 was set to start at $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market turmoil. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also addressed compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller, noting potential problems when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.