Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Nintendo Fans Target Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to bury the scalpers' exorbitantly priced pre-orders, making them harder for potential buyers to find. On platforms like eBay, pre-orders for the much-anticipated console have been listed anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

In the U.S., Nintendo enthusiasts have united in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the flood of overpriced listings. With only 40 days left until the Nintendo Switch 2's June 5 launch date, scalpers have begun to list their pre-orders with a promise to ship within 40 business days of purchase. However, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions further down the page, making it more difficult for them to be seen.

Take this listing, for example. Titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it's listed at $450, which might seem reasonable at first glance. However, the description reads: "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, which are clearly from frustrated fans rather than scalpers, often include "read description" in the heading to alert potential buyers.

Another $550 listing 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."

Yet another $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, the Nintendo Switch 2 was supposed to arrive on June 5, 2025, 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 markets to spiral. As a result, pre-orders went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also clarified compatibility concerns surrounding its all-new GameCube controller, noting that there may be "issues" when using it to play contemporary Nintendo Switch games.