Nintendo fans are cleverly fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites like eBay with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This strategy aims to push down the visibility of overpriced scalper listings, making it harder for buyers to find them. As the console's launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers have been listing pre-orders ranging from $500 to $2,000, exploiting the pre-order delay and the 40-day window before the official release.
In a united effort, U.S. Nintendo fans are posting these fake listings at or below the expected retail price of $449.99. For instance, one listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450 but clearly states in the description: "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 heading to differentiate them from genuine offers.
Another listing, priced 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." This playful yet firm approach underscores the community's frustration and determination to thwart scalpers.
A third listing, at $499.99, similarly offers a printed picture of the console: "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 set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 faced a pre-order delay in the U.S. due to import tariffs that disrupted financial markets. Pre-orders finally opened on April 24, maintaining the same price point. For detailed information on securing a pre-order, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about compatibility with the new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.
