Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Target Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This creative strategy aims to make it more challenging for buyers to stumble upon the scalpers' overpriced listings. With the console's pre-orders appearing on platforms like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are uniting to combat the issue, especially as the launch date of June 5 draws near. Scalpers can now legally list their pre-orders, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase, but fans are countering this by posting deceptive listings at or below retail price to bury the scalpers' auctions deeper in search results.

A prime example of these fan-led efforts is a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" for $450. At first glance, it seems like a reasonable deal, but 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 are easily identifiable as they often include "read description" in the title to alert potential buyers to the ruse.

Another listing, priced at $550, humorously warns buyers: "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."

Similarly, 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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The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the pre-order date was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, causing financial market volatility. Consequently, pre-orders commenced on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and they were met with the expected high demand. For more detailed information, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about compatibility with its new GameCube controller, noting that there may be "issues" when using it to play modern Nintendo Switch games.