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 highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. As pre-orders for the console appear on platforms like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, fans are fighting back against these inflated prices. With the console's launch date set for June 5, scalpers have been able to list their overpriced pre-orders, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase.

In response, Nintendo enthusiasts have been posting their own listings at or below retail price, effectively pushing the scalpers' auctions further down the search results. These fan-created listings are often clearly marked as fake, such as one titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450. However, the description reveals the ruse: "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."

Similarly, a $550 listing 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." Another $499.99 auction promises a printed picture of a pre-ordered console, emphasizing that it's not the console itself and reiterating "No refunds, No returns. F the bots."

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Originally slated for a June 5, 2025 release with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 faced a pre-order delay in the U.S. due to import tariffs, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually opened on April 24 at the same price, and the rush was as intense as expected. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also addressed compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller, noting potential problems when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.