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GameStop Is Auctioning a Nintendo Switch 2 Smashing Stapler – WTH is Going On?!

GameStop Is Auctioning a Nintendo Switch 2 Smashing Stapler – WTH is Going On?!

July 10, 2025 Off By Ibraheem Adeola

The legend of the Switch 2 smashing moment has officially gone full circle. GameStop just listed the infamous Nintendo Switch 2 stapler—the actual “Switch-ruining” stapler—in an online charity auction. Why? Because the internet can’t let go of a meme when it becomes iconic.

The Switch 2 Stapler: A Viral Mishap Turned Internet Relic

The saga started during one of GameStop’s Switch 2 unboxing livestreams last month. What was supposed to be a routine look at Nintendo’s much-buzzed console quickly spiralled into a slapstick disaster. As the crate was opened, a rogue office stapler slipped off the table—with record-breaking precision—and crushed one of the newly stocked Switch 2 consoles.

The gasp, laughter, and multiple camera replays that followed propelled the clip into viral status. Memes exploded. TikTok edits went rogue. The phrase “Switch 2 stapler moment” became shorthand for workplace chaos done spectacularly wrong.

Turns out, that same stapler—an aggressively mundane industrial Max HD-50—is now enjoying its 15 minutes of fame, thanks to GameStop’s offbeat sense of humour and a clever way to raise money for charity through their online gaming auction.

The Charity Auction is Now Live

GameStop launched the live totals today (July 10, 2025) on their official auction site. The Switch 2-destructive stapler is front and centre, complete with a certificate of authenticity, multiple photos, and signatures from the team members involved in the “accident.”

According to the listing, all proceeds will go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity with which GameStop regularly partners for their Power to the Players campaigns. So yes, you could own the famed console-demolisher, all while contributing to hospital playrooms and care packages for kids. As of this post, the auction stands at almost $109K, with another six days until it ends. It’s stapler madness, and the internet is clearly here for it.

But What Happens to the Crushed Nintendo Switch 2?

Switch 1 not compatible Nintendo Switch 2 dock
Image credit: Nintendo

Apparently, the damaged Switch 2 is not part of the auction. That poor console—bent, broken, and immortalised forever in 4K—is probably going straight into GameStop lore. The company hasn’t said whether it’ll hit a future installation or museum showcase (and you better believe Reddit is speculating), but the busted console isn’t for sale… yet.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console, itself, has already been enjoying monster pre-orders ahead of its October 2025 release window. The upgraded hardware includes drastically reduced load times, DLSS 2.1 graphics support, and a larger OLED screen. And despite the viral mishap, GameStop confirmed they’re still fully stocked on launch units.

Where (and How) You Can Bid

The auction is happening exclusively on GameStop’s US website (sorry, UK and EU fans—you’re just along for the memes this time). To bid, you’ll need a verified GameStop Insider account. The auction closes on 17 July 2025, so there’s still a week to sell your soul for a stapler that made gaming history by completely ruining a Switch 2 preorder model on a livestream.

GameStop has also hinted that more “unique behind-the-scenes items” could hit the auction if demand continues. One popular rumour is that the original livestream desk may be next. Don’t be shocked if a collection of seemingly trivial office supplies ends up raising tens of thousands.

Memes Meet Marketing Gold

Switch 2 screen film-Switch 2 Smashing
Image credit: Nintendo Life

Let’s be straight—this is marketing genius. GameStop took a clumsy moment and flipped it into viral gold. By acknowledging the goof and looping it into a Switch 2 charity auction, they not only gave fans the internet lore they crave but turned the attention toward a good cause.

That kind of clever PR has become increasingly common as fans demand more transparency and personality from gaming retailers. GameStop, which experienced serious scrutiny over stock shortages during the original Switch era, is clearly playing the long game here. They’re embracing chaos—and it’s working. Honestly, the Switch 2 may be the most powerful handheld Nintendo’s ever made. But this month? A budget office stapler somehow stole the spotlight.

Don’t Sleep on the Switch 2 Preorders

With all the stapler headlines, it’s easy to forget the Nintendo Switch 2 is mere months from launch. If you haven’t preordered yet, the console is available from GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target (US only), with pricing starting at $449.99. Global release is scheduled for October 2025, but regional availability may vary. For UK and EU customers, Nintendo Direct confirmed pre-orders will open on 2 August via official Nintendo Store channels only. No word yet on bundled packages or limited editions—but let’s just say, fans are hoping for a “Stapler Edition.”