Nintendo fans are fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This tactic aims to make it harder for buyers to find the overpriced listings from scalpers. Pre-orders for the eagerly awaited console have been appearing on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to $2,000.
As U.S. Nintendo fans unite in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the rampant scalping, the situation has intensified with the Switch 2's launch date set for June 5. Scalpers can now legally list their overpriced consoles, provided they indicate that the pre-order will ship within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to bury these scalper auctions deeper in search results.
Consider this example: a listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450 may seem reasonable at first glance. However, 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." Such listings typically include "read description" in their titles to differentiate them from genuine offers.
Another listing at $550 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."
Yet another auction 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 supposed to arrive on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market turmoil.
Consequently, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders became available on April 24 at the same price of $449.99, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
This week, Nintendo addressed compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller, noting potential problems when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.
