Nintendo Fans Flood eBay with Fake Switch 2 Auctions to Combat Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic is making it harder for buyers to stumble upon scalper listings, which have been popping up across platforms like eBay with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, especially with the pre-order delay and the rampant over-priced pre-orders. As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers are now able to list their overpriced consoles, promising delivery 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.

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 truth: "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 often include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine scalper listings.

Another $550 listing is even more explicit: "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 illustrates this strategy: "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 expected to start at $449.99. However, due to delayed pre-orders in the United States caused by import tariffs enacted by President Trump, the launch was pushed back. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and were met with the expected frenzy. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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