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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDuring the Nintendo Switch 2’s April 2025 U.S. pre-order rush, fans reportedly posted decoy eBay listings intended to confuse bots and resellers. Other listings offered marked-up pre-orders or warned buyers they would receive a printed picture, not a console. The reporting described the tactic, but did not establish that it reduced scalping.
What appeared on eBay during the pre-order rush?
About an hour after U.S. pre-orders opened, Kotaku’s Zack Zwiezen reported finding nearly 30 eBay listings for Switch 2 pre-orders. Some offered actual pre-orders at marked-up prices; others appeared to be fake listings meant to throw off bots and resellers. Kotaku reported the console’s price as $450 at the time—a launch-period figure, not a current price. Kotaku, April 24, 2025
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Tom’s Guide reported the next day that some listings disclosed in their descriptions that the buyer would receive a printed photo rather than a console. Other listings warned people not to buy and were reportedly intended to flood search results or confuse bots. Tom’s Guide, April 25, 2025
Decoys and deceptive listings were not the same thing
A listing offering a genuine pre-order at an inflated price was a resale offer. A listing that said the buyer would receive a printed picture was a deceptive offer if its title or images suggested a console. A listing openly warning buyers away was presented as an anti-scalper decoy. Those categories should not be conflated: the reported intent behind a decoy does not prove what a buyer would receive, whether the listing complied with eBay rules, or whether it worked.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
The coverage did not measure any effect on bots, reseller activity, or console sales. It therefore supports the conclusion that fans tried the tactic—not that they successfully disrupted scalping.
How to assess a suspicious console listing
During a high-demand release, inspect what the seller says will actually be delivered rather than relying on the product title, photos, or price. A console image does not establish that the item is a console, and a low price alone does not establish that a listing is legitimate.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
- Read the full description. Look for explicit wording about whether the seller is offering a console, a pre-order, a printed image, or something else.
- Compare the implied offer with the stated delivery. If the title and images suggest a console but the description says a photo will be sent, treat that mismatch as a warning, not a bargain.
- Be cautious with resale offers. Prefer legitimate retailers over high-priced resale listings when possible.
- Report suspected violations through eBay. eBay’s current Counterfeit policy says counterfeit or fake items are not allowed and directs users to report suspected policy violations. The policy describes possible actions, including removing a listing or content, issuing a warning, restricting activity, or suspending an account; reporting is not a guarantee of removal.
What eBay’s policy establishes—and what it does not
eBay’s current policy states: “Counterfeit or fake items aren’t allowed on eBay.” It provides a reporting route for suspected counterfeit items or other policy violations. The policy does not establish that every fan-made decoy from the 2025 pre-order period violated a rule, and the available reporting does not establish what happened to individual listings after they were reported.
This episode is a snapshot of the April 2025 U.S. pre-order period. It does not show current Switch 2 availability or current scalping levels.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
