Home > News > Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Fake Switch 2 Auctions Flood eBay, Targeting Scalpers

Author:Kristen Update:May 19,2025

Nintendo enthusiasts are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever tactic is making it harder for buyers to stumble upon the scalpers' overpriced offerings. With the console's much-anticipated launch on June 5 drawing near, pre-order listings have flooded sites like eBay, with prices ranging wildly from $500 to a staggering $2,000.

U.S. Nintendo fans, united in their frustration over the pre-order delay and the rampant scalping on eBay, are now within 40 days of the launch. Scalpers are exploiting this window to list their overpriced consoles, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase. However, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail prices to bury these scalper auctions deeper in the search results.

Consider this listing, for example, titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER," which deceptively asks for $450. However, a closer look at 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 a png image of a switch 2. No console." Such listings are often marked with "read description" to differentiate them from genuine scalper listings.

Another $550 listing humorously 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."

A $499.99 auction further drives the point home: "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

Originally slated to hit the shelves on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 faced a pre-order delay in the U.S. due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which led to market turmoil. Consequently, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, and the response was as chaotic as anticipated. For more detailed information, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

This week, Nintendo addressed compatibility concerns related to its newly released GameCube controller, noting potential "issues" when using it with modern Nintendo Switch games.