Nintendo Switch 2 Scalping Surges on eBay Amid High Demand Following North American Pre-Orders

In the wake of North American pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, a dramatic spike in resale activity has been observed on eBay, as scalpers move quickly to capitalize on the console’s limited supply.

The Nintendo Switch 2, developed and published by Nintendo, is generating record-breaking demand, reminiscent of the original Switch’s 2017 launch phenomenon.

This surge has led to a notable increase in online resale prices and has drawn attention from both the gaming community and industry analysts. A review of recent eBay transactions as of April 25, 2025, reveals that standalone Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and bundles such as the Mario Kart World set are being sold for significantly above their recommended retail prices.

While retail pricing is officially set at USD 449.99 for the standalone Nintendo Switch 2 and USD 499.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle, many sold listings on eBay show these products fetching between USD 600 and USD 750.

This represents a markup of USD 100 to USD 300, with some sellers attempting to push prices even higher, listing consoles for USD 800 to USD 1,000.

These inflated listings remain largely unsold, but the large number of completed sales at the lower—but still marked-up—range underscores the prevailing demand and limited supply. Adding another layer of complexity, some Nintendo fans have taken it upon themselves to create fake listings on eBay in an effort to fight against resellers and scalpers.

Notably, one such listing, which sold for USD 399.99, was transparent in its description by stating, "you are buying a picture of a Nintendo Switch 2! Don’t buy if you’re a real person!" Despite the warning, these fake listings have also registered as sold, which suggests that some eager buyers are not reading listing descriptions carefully, further highlighting the frenzied nature of the console’s current release window. Nintendo is aware of the intense demand and has publicly reassured fans that both the My Nintendo Store and authorized retailers will have additional units available for pre-order and sale in the coming months.

In a statement adapted for clarity, Nintendo reaffirmed its commitment to "increasing production to match the very high demand," aiming to reduce the impact of scalpers and ensure fair access for genuine customers. Industry observers advise against purchasing consoles from scalpers, emphasizing patience as Nintendo streamlines its supply and distribution chains.

With Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to ramp up inventory, fans are encouraged to avoid inflated secondary market prices and instead await official restocks at the My Nintendo Store and partner retailers. In summary, the Nintendo Switch 2’s North American pre-order phase has showcased both the high demand for Nintendo’s next-generation console and the challenges posed by scalpers.

As the company gears up to meet global fan enthusiasm with increased production, the best move for consumers remains vigilant patience and reliance on official channels.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo North America Switch 2 Switch eBay America consoles