Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Target Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2, making it harder for buyers to find overpriced scalper listings. As the highly anticipated console's pre-orders appear on platforms like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, U.S. Nintendo fans have united in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the abundance of over-priced pre-orders.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers can now list their overpriced consoles as long as they specify that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. To combat this, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail price to push scalper auctions down the page.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450, which might seem reasonable. However, the description clarifies: "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." These listings are often identifiable by "read description" in the heading, distinguishing them from genuine scalper listings.

Another listing at $550 warns: "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 listing at $499.99 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 with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, causing financial market disruptions. 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 compatibility concerns with its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.