How to Avoid Scams on the Nintendo Switch 2
(And Every Major Console or Game Launch)

Gone are the days of lining up outside stores for a new console release. Now, launch day means battling scalper bots, refreshing pre-order pages, and hoping your payment actually goes through before everything sells out.

With Nintendo confirming the Switch 2’s release in 2025 — and strong speculation of a summer launch — excitement is growing fast. And where there’s hype, there are scams. Fake pre-order sites, phishing attempts, and shady resellers are already circling, ready to cash in on eager buyers.

If you’re planning to get your hands on a Switch 2, knowing how scammers operate is just as important as securing your pre-order. Here’s how to avoid getting scammed and make sure your console actually arrives.

Why the Switch 2’s Launch Is a Goldmine for Scammers

Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 is coming in 2025, with a full reveal expected at the April 2 Nintendo Direct. While there’s no exact release date yet, industry insiders point to a June launch — a prime time for resellers and scammers to take full advantage of the hype.

And hype is exactly what Nintendo is banking on. The original Switch sold over 150 million units, making it one of the most successful consoles ever. Demand for its successor will be through the roof, which means one thing: scammers are already preparing to cash in.

So why is the Switch 2 such an easy target for fraud?

• • Pre-order chaos creates scam opportunities. Limited stock and high demand will lead to fake pre-order websites, phishing scams, and resellers overcharging desperate buyers. If the PS5 and the original Switch were anything to go by, expect bots to wipe out stock within minutes — and scammers to fill the gap.
  • Backward compatibility confusion will be exploited. The Switch 2 will support most Switch 1 games, but not all—especially those tied to older accessories. Scammers will use this uncertainty to sell fake “enhanced” versions or bogus upgrade unlocks.
  • Fake accessory scams will flood the market. Nintendo is tweaking the Joy-Cons, adding a mystery button and new stick technology (likely hall effect joysticks, which eliminate drift). Expect knockoff Joy-Cons and counterfeit accessories promising “exclusive features” to appear everywhere.
  • Scalpers will drive up prices. While pricing isn’t confirmed, analysts predict $300-400. But with scalpers in play, resale prices could skyrocket instantly, luring buyers into fake resale listings or bait-and-switch scams.

If you’re planning to buy a Switch 2 or any other in-demand console or game (like the hotly-anticipated GTA 6), getting the right information is only half the battle. The real challenge is avoiding the scams designed to take your money before you ever touch the console or game. Here’s how to stay ahead of them.

Common Scam Tactics to Watch For

Scammers thrive on launch-day chaos, preying on excitement and fear of missing out. When everyone’s rushing to snag the newest console or preorder a highly anticipated game, judgment can slip, and bad actors know it. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scams and how they work.

Fake pre-order sites

Scammers mimic official retailer websites to steal money and credit card information. These sites often look legitimate, with near-identical branding and URLs that have slight misspellings. This was a widespread issue during the launches of the PS5 and the first Switch, and the Switch 2 is expected to draw similar scams. Promises of guaranteed stock or significant discounts add urgency, making victims more likely to fall for these traps.

Social media links

Fraudulent posts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter offer exclusive pre-orders, fake stock alerts, or early access deals. These scams often rely on creating urgency, such as fake claims of “limited stock” being available, and may use hashtags or viral trends to reach broader audiences. Links in these posts then redirect to phishing pages or fake stores to steal money or data.

Dodgy downloads

This is a problem that primarily affects PC gamers, although console players aren’t entirely immune. However, whether it’s about installing mods, demos, or beta versions, PC players are far more conditioned to downloading content via unofficial channels.

As such, malware posing as beta tests, early access versions, or exclusive in-game content can pose a huge problem to less experienced users. 

Console players can also be targeted with the lure of key generators. This involves getting the user to download an app to their computer that supposedly generates codes or keys that they can use in-game or to download an early access game. Instead, their device is infected with malware.

Account hijacking

Similar to the above scam related to downloads, scammers target gamers for their login credentials for gaming platforms like Steam. These can be valuable for various reasons, such as their inventory items, using someone’s friends list for further phishing attacks, or simply reselling the account.

This is usually still done with promises of exclusive in-game items, betas, or early access keys, although the outcome is quite different for the victim.

Price gouging, scalping, and resellers

The secondary market for new consoles and games is a prime target for scalpers and resellers, who use bots to buy up stock within seconds and flip products at massively inflated prices. The Switch 2’s high demand and limited availability will almost certainly drive scalpers to repeat the chaos seen with the PS5, Xbox Series X, and even the original Switch.

There’s very little that individual buyers can do to stop this — unless consumers are willing to set up their own bots for a bidding war. In reality, preventing scalping falls on gaming companies and retailers.

Some measures are already in place:

• • Stock Management: Nintendo claims it plans to produce enough consoles to meet demand, reducing the scarcity that fuels scalping.
  • Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Microsoft’s Xbox Insider program let verified users buy consoles directly, an approach that could work for Switch 2 if Nintendo implements it.
  • Anti-Bot Tactics: Retailers restrict bulk purchases, use CAPTCHA systems, and queueing systems to slow bots down, though results have been mixed.

However, despite these efforts, scalpers aren’t going anywhere. Retailers still make their money whether a console goes to a real buyer or a scalper. And while console makers like Nintendo might lose some game sales if units sit unsold in scalpers’ warehouses, the inconvenience to consumers doesn’t necessarily hurt their bottom line.

Ultimately, scalping thrives because the market allows it — and unless companies make a stronger effort to shut it down, buyers will keep getting priced out of new releases.

Accessory scams

As mentioned above, the Switch 2’s new design and popularity will likely fuel scams targeting accessories. Fraudulent listings might advertise exclusive skins, themed cases, or other add-ons at heavily discounted prices, while delivering subpar products — or nothing at all. Counterfeit accessories could also damage consoles or fail to work entirely, which is a frustrating experience to say the least when you’re simply eager to customize your new hardware.

Real-World Examples: The Cost of Believing the Hype

Below are a few recent examples of the above scams and deceptive practices that have affected gamers. Knowing what scammers have gotten away with in the past will give you a good idea for what to look out for in the future!

Price gouging of Nintendo Switch

What happened: Limited supply during the first few weeks of the Nintendo Switch launch in 2017 allowed resellers to inflate prices. In some cases, the console was resold for over 100% of its MSRP, making it inaccessible for many fans.

Of course, no one is technically scammed or forced to buy something in this situation. However, a combination of excitement and uncertainty as to when a product may be available again may lead to some hasty decision-making.

Fake GTA 6 downloads

What happened: Mac users fell victim to malware disguised as a leaked GTA 6 beta, which installed password-stealing software. Scammers exploited the excitement surrounding Rockstar’s highly anticipated game to trick users into downloading harmful files. 

This is especially interesting since GTA 6 hasn’t been announced (and is very unlikely) to launch on macOS, showing how excitement for a new release can significantly cloud judgement.

Fake Valorant beta key generators

What happened: This targeted players eager to access Riot Games’ popular shooter during its early days. Scammers used fake beta key generators to steal sensitive information, including browser histories, saved logins, and credentials. 

Cyberpunk 2077 beta scam emails

What happened: Scam emails offering fake beta access were sent to fans of Cyberpunk 2077, even though developer CD Projekt Red had publicly confirmed that no beta program existed. This tactic targeted the game’s large and highly engaged fanbase.

Elden Ring Nightreign beta phishing scams

What happened: Instagram phishing scams targeted Elden Ring fans, directing them to fake Steam pages promising early beta access to Nightreign. The goal was to steal Steam login credentials — looking at forum posts, it seems that a surprising amount of people fell for it!

Scalping during PS5 launch

What happened: Scalper bots snatched up a significant portion of PS5 inventory during pre-orders and launch, forcing genuine buyers to turn to resale platforms like eBay. Consoles were sold at inflated prices — in some cases up to 4x its regular launch price!

This issue was significantly amplified compared to the Switch 1 launch since it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic severely disrupted supply chains, which worsened shortages and created an even more fertile environment for scalpers and scammers. 

Fortunately, supply chains have bounced back to the point where this shouldn’t be a major issue for the Switch 2. In fact, when Sony launched their updated PS5 Pro model in 2024, some scalpers ended up having to sell the consoles for a loss since the console was so readily available to anyone who wanted one.

Stores overcharging for Disney Lorcana

What happened: Local stores were given early access to Disney Lorcana trading cards by the publisher Ravensburger, who wanted to show that they were looking out for local independent stores.

Instead of selling the cards at MSRP, many of these stores charged 2-3 times that amount, taking advantage of the high demand (and temporarily low competition) among collectors and fans. This prioritizing of short-term profits over customer loyalty no doubt rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, potentially damaging the affected shops’ long-term relationships with their local gaming community.

Looking Beyond Launch Day

The end of launch-day hype doesn’t mean the end of scams. Fraudsters adapt their tactics to match ongoing demand, targeting both new buyers and active players. Here’s how these scams evolve:

Switch 2 backward compatibility scams

Nintendo’s confirmation of backward compatibility with Switch 1 titles opens the door for new, tailored scams. Scammers could advertise fake digital unlock codes for Switch 1 games optimized for Switch 2, which will of course be non-functional while they disappear with the money.

Limited editions

Once the initial launch frenzy dies down, scammers need to shift their focus to other in-demand or low supply items, making collector’s or limited-edition items the perfect match for them. Fake listings for these items often lure fans eager to complete their collections. Even legitimate resales can involve inflated prices or non-delivery scams.

In-game currency fraud

Online games like Roblox, FIFA, and Fortnite are lucrative targets for scammers, and whichever online games become popular on Switch 2 are likely to get similar attention. Fraudulent websites promise discounted or “free” in-game currency but instead steal login credentials, charge users for non-existent items, or infect devices with malware.

Loot boxes and microtransactions

Websites claiming to sell high-value loot boxes or discounted microtransactions often result in payment fraud or malware. With in-game microtransactions more popular than ever, these scams are becoming increasingly common, targeting both players and their wallets.

AI-driven scams

As technology advances, scammers are using AI to create convincing phishing emails, fake websites, and even deepfake videos mimicking official announcements. These scams are becoming harder to detect and can target unsuspecting gamers with worrying sophistication.

How to Protect Yourself from Launch-Day Scams

The best way to avoid scams is recognizing them before they happen. Whether it’s a fake pre-order site, an overpriced resale listing, or a phishing attempt disguised as an early access offer, scammers rely on urgency and misinformation to trap buyers.

Here’s how to spot the red flags, verify legitimate sellers, and avoid losing money or personal data when buying a new console or game at launch.

Verify retailers

• • Stick to official or well-known retailers for pre-orders, consoles, games, and accessories.
  • Check for secure payment methods and URLs with “https” to ensure a safe connection.
  • Watch for URLs with slight misspellings or irregular domains (e.g., “.net” instead of “.com”).
  • Ensure retailers aren’t overcharging you by checking the item’s MSRP.

Beware of unrealistic offers

• • Be cautious of “guaranteed stock” claims, steep discounts, or FOMO-inducing warnings like “only a few left” or “multiple users checking out now.”
  • If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Avoid fake social media links

• • Scammers use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook to promote fake deals, pre-orders, and stock alerts.
  • Avoid engaging with unsolicited DMs or posts offering secret pre-order links or exclusive stock.

Secure your transactions

• • Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, like credit cards or PayPal.
  • Avoid irreversible payment types like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards — these are major red flags.

Guard your personal data

• • Don’t share personal details (e.g., address, phone number) for suspicious sign-ups or fake contest entries.
  • Look out for phishing attempts via email or messages that ask for login credentials or payment details.

Be cautious with downloads

• • Only download games, DLCs, or software updates from verified platforms like Steam, the Nintendo eShop, or the PlayStation Store.
  • Files from unofficial sources may contain malware or harmful software. Avoid anything requiring you to disable antivirus or adjust security settings.

Protect yourself against price gouging and scalping

• • Avoid purchasing from unofficial resellers or third-party marketplaces (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace), where prices are often inflated.
  • Monitor official retailer announcements for restocks and explore preorder lotteries or anti-scalper tools when available.
  • Confirm the MSRP before looking to buy to know if someone is trying to take advantage of you.

Scrutinize accessory offers

• • Fake accessory shops (or simply low-quality accessories) may flood the market, especially for a popular new console like the Switch 2 with a new shape.
  • Stick to trusted retailers or Nintendo’s official store, and be wary of listings offering heavily discounted accessories or fake pre-orders.

Try a VPN free trial for safer gaming 

Scammers don’t just rely on fake websites and phishing attempts — they also take advantage of unsecured networks to steal payment details and personal information. If you’re shopping for a Switch 2 pre-order or browsing for deals on public Wi-Fi, you could be exposing yourself to man-in-the-middle attacks where hackers intercept your data.

A VPN free trial from CyberGhost helps protect you from these risks by encrypting your connection, keeping your transactions secure, and even stopping ISPs from throttling your connection when gaming online. 

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Check reviews or warnings

Before committing to a purchase, look up the retailer or deal on trusted forums like Reddit or ResetEra. However, remember that even online reviews can be manipulated by scammers.

🚨 Quick Scam Check: 

Before you buy the latest in-demand console or game, ask yourself:

• • Is the price too good to be true?
  • Does the seller have no history or sketchy reviews?
  • Are you being asked to pay in crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers?
  • Does the website URL have weird misspellings?
  • Are you being pressured to act fast with FOMO tactics?

If any of these apply, pause before you buy—it could be a scam.

FAQs