Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites like eBay with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. As the console's launch date on June 5 approaches, scalpers have been posting overpriced pre-orders ranging from $500 to $2,000. In response, frustrated fans have united, not only due to the pre-order delay caused by import tariffs but also to combat the rampant scalping. These fans are posting listings at or below the retail price of $449.99, pushing the scalpers' listings further down the search results.
For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" is priced at $450. However, the description clarifies that buyers are actually purchasing a screenshot of the console, aimed at thwarting bots and scalpers. Another listing, priced at $550, explicitly warns potential buyers that they will only receive a laser-printed image of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle, with no refunds. Similarly, a $499.99 auction offers a printed picture of the console, emphasizing that it is not the console itself and reinforcing the "no refunds" policy.
These fake listings are easily distinguishable as they include "read description" in the heading, alerting buyers to the true nature of the auction. This clever tactic by Nintendo fans aims to make it more difficult for scalpers to profit from the high demand for the Nintendo Switch 2, especially as the launch date nears and scalpers can list their pre-orders with a promise to ship within 40 business days of purchase.
Despite the pre-order delay in the U.S. due to financial market issues caused by import tariffs, pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the set price. For more details on securing a Nintendo Switch 2, check out IGN's pre-order guide. Additionally, Nintendo has recently addressed concerns about compatibility with the new GameCube controller, noting potential issues with playing modern Switch games.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
View 91 Images
