Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting 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 make it harder for buyers to find overpriced scalper listings on platforms like eBay, where pre-orders for the highly anticipated console are listed between $500 and $2,000.

Frustrated by both the pre-order delay and the abundance of over-priced pre-orders, U.S. Nintendo fans have united to combat scalpers. As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers can now legally list their overpriced consoles, provided they mention that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at retail prices or lower, pushing the scalper auctions down the page and making them less visible.

Consider this example: A listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" for $450 might initially seem reasonable. However, the description clarifies: "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 fan-made listings typically include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine scalper listings.

Another listing for $550 states: "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 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 set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 faced a pre-order delay in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial markets to spiral. Consequently, pre-orders went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, with predictable chaos ensuing. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed compatibility concerns regarding its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it to play contemporary Nintendo Switch games.