Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Nintendo Fans Target Scalpers

Nintendo fans are fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites like eBay with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. These fake listings are strategically designed to push the scalpers' overpriced auctions further down the search results, making it more challenging for potential buyers to find them.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, and with less than 40 days to go, scalpers have started listing pre-orders ranging from $500 to $2,000. These listings are technically allowed as long as they specify that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. However, this has only fueled the frustration among fans, leading to a creative countermeasure.

One such fake listing, titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," is priced at $450. At first glance, it might seem like a decent deal, but 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 a png image of a switch 2. No console." These listings are typically marked with "read description" to differentiate them from genuine scalper listings.

Another listing for $550 humorously warns buyers: "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."

A third listing, priced at $499.99, 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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The Nintendo Switch 2 was originally slated to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, pre-orders in the United States were delayed due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial markets to spiral. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and the response was as expected. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo also addressed concerns about compatibility with its new GameCube controller, confirming that there might be "issues" when using it to play contemporary Nintendo Switch games.