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

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever strategy aims to make it harder for buyers to stumble upon scalper listings, which are often priced exorbitantly between $500 and $2,000. With the much-anticipated console set to launch on June 5, scalpers have been quick to capitalize on the pre-order delay and the excitement surrounding the upcoming release.

In the U.S., Nintendo fans have united to combat the issue, particularly as scalpers can now list their overpriced consoles with the assurance that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. To counter this, fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push the scalpers' auctions down the page, making them less visible.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" offers the console for $450, which might seem reasonable 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 title to differentiate them from genuine offers.

Another example is a $550 listing that 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."

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

The Nintendo Switch 2 was initially slated for a June 5, 2025 release with a starting price of $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 disruptions. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and the response was as expected. For more details, you can refer to IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

Additionally, Nintendo recently clarified compatibility concerns regarding its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.