Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This strategic move aims to make it harder for buyers to spot scalper listings on platforms like eBay, where the console's pre-orders have been listed at exorbitant prices ranging from $500 to $2,000.
As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers have been able to list their overpriced pre-orders with the promise that they will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, effectively pushing the scalpers' auctions further down the search results.
For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is listed at $450, which might seem reasonable at first glance. However, the description reveals the true intent: "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." Such listings often include "read description" in their headings to differentiate them from genuine offers.
Another example is a $550 listing with a bold warning: "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 humorously 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 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, causing financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same price, leading to the expected frenzy. For more details, you can refer to 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 current Nintendo Switch games.
