Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to make it more challenging for buyers to stumble upon the scalpers' overpriced listings. As pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 appear on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, the frustration among fans has reached a boiling point.
With just 40 days until the Nintendo Switch 2's June 5 launch, scalpers have been quick to capitalize on the situation, listing their pre-orders with promises to ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions further down the page, making them less visible to potential buyers.
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 a humorous 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 often include "read description" in their headings, distinguishing them from genuine scalper auctions.Another $550 listing is equally candid: "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 release on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 was set to start at $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial market fluctuations. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, though the process was as chaotic as expected. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
This week, Nintendo addressed compatibility concerns regarding its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.
