Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. These clever tactics are aimed at making it harder for buyers to find the scalper listings, which are selling the console at exorbitant prices ranging from $500 to $2,000 on sites like eBay.
With less than 40 days until the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5, scalpers are legally able to list their overpriced pre-orders, provided they specify that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans have been posting their own fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions down the page, making them less visible.
For instance, one listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450. However, the description clarifies that buyers are only purchasing a screenshot of the Nintendo Switch 2 as a means to combat bots and scalpers, with no refunds or cancellations allowed.
Another listing, priced at $550, humorously warns buyers not to purchase unless they are bots or willing to donate money, stating they will receive only a laser-printed image of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle with no possibility of refunds.
A third listing at $499.99 similarly offers a printed picture of a confirmed pre-order, folded and sent in a standard letter envelope, emphasizing that it is not the console itself and reiterating the no-refund policy.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 was initially set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, pre-orders in the United States were delayed due to import tariffs implemented by President Trump, which caused financial markets to spiral. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and were met with the expected high demand. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
In other news, Nintendo addressed compatibility issues this week, confirming potential problems when using the all-new GameCube controller with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.
