Nintendo fans are taking a stand against scalpers by flooding auction sites with fake listings for the Nintendo Switch 2. This clever strategy aims to make it harder for buyers to find the scalpers' overpriced listings on platforms like eBay, where the highly anticipated console is being offered for prices ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The frustration among U.S. Nintendo fans has been mounting due to the pre-order delay and the abundance of overpriced pre-orders. As the launch date of June 5 approaches, scalpers have started to list their consoles, promising shipment within 40 business days of purchase. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake listings at or below retail price to push these scalper auctions down the search results page.

Consider this example: A listing titled "Nintendo Switch v2 video games console PREORDER" appears to be a good deal at $450. However, upon closer inspection, 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."

These fan-generated listings are easy to spot because they often include "read description" in the title, distinguishing them from genuine scalper listings. Another listing for $550 warns potential buyers: "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 $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. 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 set to start at $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused financial markets to spiral. Pre-orders eventually went live on April 24 at the same $449.99 price point, leading to a frenzy. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.

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