"Nintendo Fans Flood eBay with Fake Switch 2 Auctions to Counter Scalpers"

Nintendo fans are taking a creative stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. As the excitement builds for the upcoming release, these fans are actively working to combat the inflated prices set by scalpers on platforms like eBay, where pre-orders for the console are listed between $500 and $2,000.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 launch date set for June 5, and only 40 days left until the big day, scalpers have started to list their pre-orders with promises to ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo enthusiasts are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, effectively pushing the scalpers' overpriced auctions down the search results page.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" asks for $450. However, the description reveals a clever twist: "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 typically marked with "read description" to differentiate them from genuine offers.

Another example is a $550 listing that humorously warns potential 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."

A third listing, priced at $499.99, is equally straightforward: "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 faced a pre-order delay in the United States due to import tariffs implemented by President Trump, which caused financial market disruptions. Despite this, pre-orders eventually opened on April 24 at the same price point. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about compatibility with its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with current Nintendo Switch games.