Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic aims to make it harder for buyers to find the scalpers' overpriced listings. As the excitement builds for the upcoming console, pre-orders have been spotted on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to a staggering $2,000.
The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been palpable, especially with the pre-order delay and the flood of exorbitantly priced pre-orders on eBay. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on June 5, scalpers have been quick to list their pre-orders, promising delivery 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 page, making them less visible.
Take this listing, for example. Titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," it's listed at a seemingly reasonable $450. However, the description reveals the truth: "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 scalper listings.
Another $550 listing is even more direct: "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 $499.99 auction further emphasizes the point: "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 a June 5, 2025 release, the Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to start at $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 financial market instability. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point, and were met with the expected frenzy. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
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