Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo enthusiasts are fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2. By posting these counterfeit listings, fans aim to dilute the visibility of scalpers' inflated price tags on platforms like eBay, where the console is being listed for anywhere between $500 and $2,000.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been mounting, especially with the pre-order delay and the proliferation of overpriced pre-orders. With only 40 days left until the Switch 2's launch on June 5, scalpers are now able to list their overpriced consoles with the caveat that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. To counter this, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices, pushing the scalpers' auctions further down the search results.

Consider, for instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," priced at $450. At first glance, it might seem reasonable, but the description reveals its true nature: "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 the title to differentiate them from legitimate offers.

Another example is a $550 listing that 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."

A third listing at $499.99 reads, "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."

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused disruptions in financial markets. Consequently, pre-orders commenced on April 24 at the same price of $449.99, and the response was as expected. For detailed information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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