Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Thwart Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2, making it harder for buyers to find the inflated prices set by scalpers. As pre-orders for the eagerly awaited console appear on platforms like eBay, ranging from $500 to $2,000, U.S. Nintendo fans have united in their frustration over both the pre-order delay and the prevalence of these overpriced listings.

With only 40 days left until the Switch 2's launch on June 5, scalpers are now able to post their listings, promising delivery within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions down the search results.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450 seems legitimate at first glance. However, the description clarifies: "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 a png image of a switch 2. No console." Such listings are typically identifiable by the inclusion of "read description" in the heading, distinguishing them from genuine scalper listings.

Another example is a $550 listing that humorously warns: "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... 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, priced 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 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 United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, and the response was 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.