Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic is making it tougher for buyers to spot the overpriced listings from scalpers. As pre-orders for the much-anticipated console surface on sites like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are uniting to combat the issue.
The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, particularly due to the pre-order delay and the rampant scalping on eBay. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers have been quick to list their pre-orders, often promising delivery within 40 business days of purchase. To counter this, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, pushing the scalpers' overpriced auctions down the page.
Consider this listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450. At first glance, it appears reasonable, but the description reveals the truth: "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 typically include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine offers.
Another listing for $550 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."
A third listing at $499.99 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, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays 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 $449.99 price point, and as expected, they sold out quickly. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
This week, Nintendo also addressed concerns about the compatibility of its new GameCube controller with contemporary Nintendo Switch games, noting potential "issues" with its use.
