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 highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This clever strategy is designed to make it harder for buyers to spot the scalpers' inflated listings. As pre-orders for the console appear on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are fighting back against the scalping frenzy that has intensified as the launch date approaches.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers have been quick to exploit the situation by listing pre-orders with a promise to ship within 40 business days of purchase. Frustrated by these tactics and the pre-order delay in the U.S., Nintendo fans are uniting to counteract the scalpers' efforts. They are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, which effectively pushes the scalpers' overpriced auctions down the page, making them less visible to potential buyers.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" at $450 might catch your eye. But a closer look reveals it's a clever ruse: "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 distinguish 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." The seller reiterates the no-refund policy and promises to ship the image before the console's official 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 expected to start at $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, causing financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

In related news, Nintendo has clarified compatibility concerns regarding its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.