Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Aim to Thwart Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. These deceptive posts are strategically placed to push the scalpers' exorbitant listings further down the search results, making them less visible to potential buyers. With pre-orders for the eagerly awaited console appearing on platforms like eBay, prices range wildly from $500 to $2,000.

In the United States, Nintendo fans have united in their frustration over both the pre-order delay and the rampant scalping on eBay. As the Switch 2's launch date of June 5 approaches—now just 40 days away—scalpers have begun to list their overpriced consoles with the assurance that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase.

To counteract these auctions, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below the anticipated retail price. For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450. However, the description reveals a clever twist: "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 often include "read description" in the heading 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."

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 to launch 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 introduced 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 demand was predictably high. For detailed information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about the compatibility of its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with current Nintendo Switch games.