The stapler responsible for damaging several Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on launch day is now being auctioned off by GameStop, with all proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The Nintendo Switch 2, released on June 5, marked the highly anticipated follow-up to Nintendo’s massively successful hybrid console. Featuring upgraded graphics, improved battery life, and a new library of exclusive titles, the Switch 2 quickly became one of the hottest gaming products of the year, with pre-orders selling out at major retailers well ahead of launch.
GameStop, one of the key retailers handling the Switch 2 release, faced unexpected backlash when reports began circulating that some customers received consoles with staple marks on the screen.
GameStop puts viral stapler up for auction
The unusual piece of gaming history was listed on eBay following the viral incident. At the time of writing, the bid is well over $12,000.
GameStop employees had accidentally scratched and dented Switch 2 consoles while using a stapler to affix packaging slips to shipping boxes. The mishap left some new console owners frustrated as they opened their long-awaited devices to find cosmetic damage.
According to the eBay listing, the stapler in question was used at a GameStop store in New York and has since been retired from duty. The listing humorously refers to the item as a “gently used, now infamous office tool” and notes that 100% of the winning bid will support children’s hospitals across North America.
The damaged consoles quickly became a trending topic in gaming circles, with many sharing photos of the damaged Switch 2 units online. GameStop later confirmed the cause of the issue, explaining that staplers were used to attach paperwork during the packaging process, inadvertently leading to the damage.
The charity auction has already attracted dozens of bids, with the current price far exceeding the stapler’s actual value, showing just how much fans are willing to pay for a quirky piece of gaming lore, especially when it’s for a good cause.
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