Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This strategy aims to make it harder for buyers to find listings from scalpers who are selling the highly anticipated console at inflated prices ranging from $500 to $2,000 on platforms like eBay.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, especially with the pre-order delay and the abundance of over-priced pre-orders. As the Switch 2's launch date on June 5 approaches, scalpers are now able to list their overpriced consoles, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase.

In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at retail prices or even lower, pushing the scalpers' auctions down the page and making them less visible. Take this listing, for example: titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it asks for $450. However, the description clearly states: "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."

It's easy to distinguish between listings from frustrated fans and genuine scalper listings, as those selling screenshots instead of consoles usually include "read description" in the listing heading. Another $550 listing humorously 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."

Another $499.99 auction clearly 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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The Nintendo Switch 2 was supposed to arrive on June 5, 2025, with prices starting at $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date was delayed in the United States after import tariffs enacted by President Trump sent financial markets spiraling. Consequently, pre-orders went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and the response was as expected. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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