Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Target Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. These listings, strategically placed on sites like eBay, aim to push the scalpers' overpriced auctions further down the search results, making them harder for potential buyers to find.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers have been quick to list pre-orders ranging 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 exorbitant pre-orders. Now, within 40 days of the launch, scalpers can legally list their overpriced consoles as long as they guarantee shipment within 40 business days of purchase.

In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to combat these scalpers. These listings often include humorous and clear disclaimers, such as one titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" for $450. The description humorously states: "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." Such listings are easily identifiable as they include "read description" in their headings.

Another example is a $550 listing warning potential buyers: "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 for $499.99 reads: "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 release on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, causing financial market fluctuations. Pre-orders finally went live on April 24 at the same price point, and the demand was as high as anticipated. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

Additionally, this week, Nintendo addressed compatibility concerns with its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.