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 highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic is making it increasingly difficult for buyers to find the overpriced listings posted by scalpers on platforms like eBay, where the console is being offered for anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

With the Nintendo Switch 2's launch date set for June 5, scalpers have started to list their pre-orders with the condition that they will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting their own listings at or below retail prices to push the scalpers' auctions further down the page.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" asks for $450, which might seem reasonable at first glance. However, the description clearly 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 often include "read description" in the title, helping buyers differentiate them from genuine offers.

Another example is a $550 listing with a stark warning: "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... 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, priced at $499.99, offers: "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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The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally slated to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the pre-order date was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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