Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a creative stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites like eBay with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This strategy is designed to bury the scalpers' overpriced listings, making them harder to find among the sea of deceptive offers. With the console's much-anticipated launch set for June 5, scalpers have been quick to list pre-orders at inflated prices ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The community's frustration stems not only from the pre-order delay but also from the rampant scalping. As the launch date nears, scalpers are able to legally list their pre-orders, promising delivery within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, effectively pushing the scalpers' auctions further down the page.

Take this listing, for example. Titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it's priced at a seemingly reasonable $450. However, a closer look at the description reveals the ruse: "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 are easily identifiable by the "read description" tag, distinguishing them from legitimate scalper auctions.

Another $550 listing is equally candid: "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 example, a $499.99 auction, states: "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 slated for a June 5, 2025 release, the Nintendo Switch 2 was set to launch at $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order dates were delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market disruptions. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, and the response was as expected. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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