Switch 2 fake eBay listings surge to thwart scalpers

Nintendo fans are fighting back against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2, intentionally obscuring real reseller posts.

Dozens of Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order listings have surfaced on platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from $500 to an outrageous $2,000.

Previously, U.S. Nintendo fans organized against both the delayed pre-orders and inflated eBay prices. Now, with less than 40 days until the Switch 2's June 5 launch, scalpers can legally list consoles as long as they specify orders will ship within 40 business days.

The fan-led counterattack involves posting authentic-looking listings at retail price, pushing scalper auctions deeper into search results where they're harder to find.

Some listings are intentionally deceptive, like one titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" priced at $450.

The fine print 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."

Savvy buyers can spot these protest listings by phrases like "read description" in the title.

One particularly bold $550 listing states: "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."

Another $499.99 auction plainly declares: "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 originally scheduled for June 5, 2025 launch priced at $449.99, but U.S. pre-orders were postponed after import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration disrupted global markets.

Nintendo finally opened pre-orders on April 24 at the $449.99 MSRP - triggering predictable chaos. For legitimate purchasing options, consult IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

Separately, Nintendo recently addressed questions about its redesigned GameCube controller, acknowledging potential "compatibility issues" with newer Switch titles.