Stapler Behind GameStop's Infamous Switch 2 Launch Disaster Up for Auction — and the Bidding Is Now Over $100,000
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK, JUL 9 – GameStop is auctioning the stapler, staple, damaged console, and packaging from the Nintendo Switch 2 launch incident with bids exceeding $16,000 to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
- On early June 2025 launch night, a GameStop employee in Staten Island stapled a receipt to a Nintendo Switch 2 box, puncturing the screen.
- This occurred due to misjudged enthusiasm amid launch excitement and was compounded by the console’s thin box and flimsy plastic sleeve.
- GameStop responded by replacing damaged consoles, pulling additional stock, offering a 20% trade-in bonus for Switch 2 units bought elsewhere, and launching a charity auction.
- Bidding on the auction including the stapler, staple, damaged console, and box surpassed $108,000 as of July 10, 2025, with CEO Ryan Cohen pledging to include his underwear if bids exceed six figures.
- Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and GameStop hopes the incident's legacy serves a greater purpose despite its unfortunate nature.
25 Articles
25 Articles
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GameStop Auctioning Off Infamous Staten Island Switch 2 Stapler For Charity
Last month, during the excitement and chaos of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, a story broke through the noise. At least one person’s Switch 2 was ruined by GameStop after someone at the store stapled a receipt to the box and punctured the screen. Now, a month later, the video game retailer is auctioning off the stapler…Read more...
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