Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding eBay with fake Nintendo Switch 2 listings, designed to bury overpriced scalper auctions and make it harder for buyers to find them. With the highly anticipated console’s pre-orders recently going live, scalpers have listed Switch 2 units for as much as $500 to $2,000, far above the retail price of $449.99. In response, fans are posting deceptive listings at or below retail price to push scalper auctions down the search results.
One such listing, titled “Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER,” appears to offer the console for $450. However, the description clarifies: “You are ordering a picture of the Nintendo Switch 2. This listing is to combat bots and scalpers. No refunds. You will receive a png image of a Switch 2. No console.” These fake listings often include “read description” in the title to signal they’re not selling actual consoles.
Another listing, priced at $550, warns: “Do not buy this unless you are a bot or wish to donate $550. I will be shipping a laser-printed image of the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle. NO REFUNDS. You will be getting a laser-printed image, and that’s all.” Similarly, a $499.99 auction 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. No refunds. F the bots.”
The Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025, faced a pre-order delay in the U.S. due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which disrupted financial markets. Pre-orders finally opened on April 24 at the fixed price of $449.99, but the process was chaotic, as expected. Scalpers quickly capitalized, listing pre-orders with the condition that units would ship within 40 business days of purchase, in line with eBay’s policies.
This fan-driven campaign comes as Nintendo addresses other Switch 2 concerns. The company recently confirmed potential compatibility issues with its new GameCube controller when used with modern Switch games. For those navigating the pre-order chaos, IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide offers helpful tips.
By flooding eBay with fake listings, Nintendo fans are sending a clear message to scalpers: they’re ready to fight back creatively to protect fellow gamers from inflated prices.
