Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts 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 overpriced listings from scalpers, making it harder for buyers to stumble upon them. As pre-orders for the eagerly awaited console appear on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are stepping up to combat the issue.

United in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the abundance of exorbitantly priced pre-orders on eBay, U.S. Nintendo fans are rallying together. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers have begun to list their overpriced consoles, claiming they will 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, reducing their visibility.

Consider this listing, for instance, titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," which asks for $450. At first glance, it might seem reasonable. But upon closer inspection, 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." Such listings often have "read description" in the title, distinguishing them from legitimate scalper listings.

Another example is a $550 listing that boldly 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 $499.99 auction further exemplifies this trend: "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 scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market turmoil. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price of $449.99, and the response was as chaotic as one might anticipate. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

In related news, Nintendo has clarified compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller, warning that there might be "issues" when using it to play modern Nintendo Switch games.