Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. As pre-orders for the console, set to launch on June 5, appear on sites like eBay with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000, frustrated fans are striking back.

With less than 40 days until the release, scalpers are legally able to list their overpriced pre-orders, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to push these scalper auctions down the search results, making them harder to find.

For instance, a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" for $450 seems legitimate at first glance. However, the description clarifies, "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 fake listings are often identifiable by the "read description" tag in the heading.

Another example is a $550 listing that explicitly 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... 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 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."

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

The Nintendo Switch 2 was initially slated for a June 5, 2025 release with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delayed pre-orders in the United States caused by import tariffs, the pre-order date was pushed back. Pre-orders finally went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and the response was overwhelming. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

In other news, Nintendo recently clarified compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller, noting potential problems when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.