Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to bury the overpriced pre-order listings that have been popping up across platforms like eBay, where the console is being offered anywhere from $500 to $2,000. With the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date delayed in the United States due to import tariffs, and the official launch set for June 5, fans are more frustrated than ever.
As the launch date nears, scalpers are taking advantage of the situation by listing pre-orders that promise delivery within 40 business days. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions further down the search results, making them less visible to potential buyers.
Take this listing, for example. Titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it's listed for $450. However, the description reveals the true nature of the listing: "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 are often identifiable by the phrase "read description" in their headings, distinguishing them from legitimate scalper auctions.
Another $550 listing 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. 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."
Another $499.99 auction 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 set to start at $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders faced delays in the U.S. due to financial market disruptions caused by import tariffs, leading to pre-orders going live on April 24 at the same price point. For more detailed information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
This week, Nintendo addressed concerns about the compatibility of its new GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when used with contemporary Nintendo Switch games.
