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 scalper listings. As the highly anticipated console's pre-orders have appeared on sites like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are united in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the abundance of overpriced listings.

With the Switch 2's launch scheduled for June 5, scalpers are now able to list their overpriced consoles, stipulating that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, pushing the scalpers' auctions down the page.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450, which might seem reasonable at first glance. 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." Such listings often include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine offers.

Another example is a $550 listing that 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 $499.99 auction also 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 initially 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 enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, and the response was as expected. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also clarified compatibility concerns with its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.