Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to bury the scalpers' overpriced listings and make it harder for genuine buyers to stumble upon them. With the much-anticipated console's pre-orders appearing on platforms like eBay, prices are ranging wildly from $500 to a staggering $2,000.
In the U.S., Nintendo fans have banded together, frustrated not only by the pre-order delay but also by the flood of exorbitant pre-order listings on eBay. As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers are now able to list their overpriced consoles with the promise that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, fans are countering with fake listings, often priced at or below retail, to push these scalper auctions down the page and out of sight.
Consider this example: a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450, which might initially seem reasonable. However, the description reveals the true nature of the auction: "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 title to differentiate them from legitimate scalper offers.
Another listing, set at $550, 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. 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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Originally slated for a June 5, 2025 release, the Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to start at $449.99. However, due to the pre-order date being delayed in the United States following import tariffs implemented by President Trump, which caused financial market volatility, the pre-order window opened on April 24 at the same price. For detailed information, refer to IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
Additionally, Nintendo recently addressed concerns regarding compatibility with the new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.
