GameStop Auctions Switch 2-Damaged Stapler for Charity Online
▼ Summary
– GameStop is auctioning the stapler that damaged Switch 2 consoles by stapling receipts to their packaging, with proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
– The auction bundle includes the stapler, a repaired Switch 2 console, and a certificate of authenticity detailing the incident.
– The stapler is described as a “retail legend” and comes with the original stapled packaging and the preserved staple.
– The auction has reached nearly $109K with six days remaining, and GameStop confirmed the stapling incident was isolated to one store.
– Despite the incident, the Switch 2 launch was Nintendo’s fastest-selling hardware, with 3.5 million units sold in four days.
The notorious stapler responsible for damaging Nintendo Switch 2 consoles during launch day has become an unlikely collector’s item, now up for auction with all proceeds going to charity. GameStop made headlines when one of its New York stores stapled receipts directly to customers’ new consoles, accidentally puncturing both packaging and screens. What began as an embarrassing mishap has transformed into an opportunity to support a worthy cause.
The auction package includes the actual stapler, a repaired Switch 2 console, and a tongue-in-cheek certificate of authenticity. According to the description, the stapler was “retired immediately from service” after its infamous moment, now preserved as a bizarre piece of gaming retail history. The repaired console comes in its original stapled packaging, complete with the extracted staple as part of the memorabilia.
Bidding has already surpassed $109,000, with six days remaining before the auction closes. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a long-standing charity that supports pediatric care across North America. GameStop confirmed the stapling incident was isolated to a single location and that staplers have since been removed from checkout areas to prevent future mishaps.
Despite the initial hiccup, the Switch 2 launch shattered records, selling 3.5 million units globally in its first four days, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling hardware to date. For families unable to afford the new console, Nintendo’s president reassured fans that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the company’s beloved characters beyond the latest hardware.
The auction serves as both an apology and a clever PR move, turning an unfortunate mistake into a charitable opportunity while giving gamers a chance to own a peculiar slice of gaming history.
(Source: EUROGAMER)
