"Nintendo Fans Flood eBay with Fake Switch 2 Auctions to Combat Scalpers"

Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. By posting these decoy listings, fans aim to make it harder for buyers to stumble upon scalpers' exorbitant offers, which range from $500 to $2,000 on platforms like eBay.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, particularly due to the pre-order delay and the proliferation of overpriced pre-orders. With the Switch 2's launch date set for June 5, scalpers have been quick to list their inflated pre-orders, promising delivery within 40 business days of purchase. However, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions down the search results, making them less visible.

For instance, take this listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" asking for $450. At first glance, it seems reasonable, but the description reveals: "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 often include "read description" in the heading to differentiate them from genuine offers.

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."

Similarly, a $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 release on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to start at $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States following import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually opened on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more details, refer to IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed compatibility concerns regarding its newly released GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when used with current Nintendo Switch games.