Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Thwarting Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This strategic move aims to make it harder for potential buyers to find the overpriced listings posted by scalpers. With the console's pre-orders appearing on sites like eBay, where prices range from $500 to $2,000, the community has united in their frustration over both the pre-order delay and the rampant scalping.

As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers are able to list their pre-orders as long as they mention that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail price to push these scalper auctions down the page and out of sight.

Take this listing, for example. Titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it's listed at a seemingly reasonable $450. However, the description reveals the true nature of the listing: "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 can often be identified by phrases like "read description" in the heading, indicating they are from fans rather than actual scalpers.

Another $550 listing humorously warns buyers: "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 emphasizes the tactic: "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 imposed by President Trump, which caused financial market turmoil. As a result, pre-orders went live on April 24 at the same price, leading to the expected frenzy. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also clarified compatibility concerns surrounding its all-new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.