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 Nintendo Switch 2. As pre-orders for the eagerly awaited console appear on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are fighting back. With the console's launch scheduled for June 5, scalpers have been quick to list their overpriced pre-orders, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase.

In response, Nintendo enthusiasts are posting deceptive listings at or below retail prices to bury the scalpers' auctions deeper in search results. For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" for $450 seems legitimate at first glance. However, the description reveals it's a pre-order for a screenshot of the console, aimed at thwarting bots and scalpers with no refunds or cancellations.

These fan-made listings are easy to spot, often marked with "read description" in the title, indicating they're selling images rather than actual consoles. Another listing for $550 humorously warns buyers not to purchase unless they're bots or willing to donate, promising only a laser-printed image of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle with no refunds. Similarly, a $499.99 auction offers a printed picture of a pre-ordered console, folded and sent in an envelope, explicitly stating it's not the console itself.

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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 U.S. due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, and as expected, they sold out quickly. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about compatibility with its new GameCube controller, noting potential issues when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.