Nintendo Fans Flood eBay with Fake Switch 2 Auctions to Combat Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts are fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. As pre-orders for the console have surfaced on platforms like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are taking a stand against these inflated prices. With just 40 days until the Switch 2's launch on June 5, scalpers have been able to list their overpriced consoles, promising delivery within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions further down the search results, making them harder to find.

A prime example is a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450. However, the description clarifies, "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 title, distinguishing them from genuine scalper listings.

Another listing for $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."

Similarly, a $499.99 auction 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 was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more information, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about compatibility with its new GameCube controller, noting that there might be "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.