GameStop is auctioning off its infamous stapler that damaged numerous consoles on Nintendo Switch 2 launch night. Money raised from the stapler’s sale will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals — and bidding is now over $100,000.
Along with the stapler and a certificate of authenticity, the eBay listing also includes the first Switch 2 to have its screen stapled — now refurbished and in working condition — plus its original box, with puncture marks still present.
“While the incident itself was unfortunate, we hope its legacy serves a greater purpose,” GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen said in a statement. The lucky owner of the stapler will also now receive Cohen’s underwear, after the CEO promised to include it should the auction reach six figures.
The chain hit the headlines last month when dozens of customers reported their Switch 2 console screens had been punctured by a stapler, used by an employee to affix receipts onto the console’s box.
GameStop replaced the now-punctured consoles, the majority of which were damaged at a single store located in Staten Island, New York, and also has since used the incident for a bit of social media fun when advertising new Switch 2 stock being available.
Still, aside from one GameStop employee’s over-zealous use of stationary, concerns have been raised by fans that Nintendo’s new console should be better protected in its box. As it is, the Switch 2’s screen sits directly against the console’s thin cardboard box in just a flimsy plastic sleeve. IGN has asked Nintendo for comment on the Switch 2’s packaging, but has not heard of any changes.
The infamous Switch 2 Stapler is now available for auction. Proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.https://t.co/n7LMqFzKjz pic.twitter.com/XPqjijM1WE
— GameStop (@gamestop) July 9, 2025
If this reaches six figures I will include my underwearhttps://t.co/RCUlyiVpfa
— Ryan Cohen (@ryancohen) July 9, 2025
GameStop’s certificate of authenticity describes the stapler as an “authentic relic from the now-infamous ‘Staplegate’ incident”.
“The black stapler used by a GameStop associate who, in a moment of launch night excitement and misjudged enthusiasm, stapled a recept directly to a customer’s new Nintendo Switch box,” its description reads. (In reality, this stapler was responsible for doing this numerous times.) “Features authentic field-use wear throughout and retired immediately from service, the stapler now stands as a retail legend born from a half-second decision.”
At the time of writing, bidding on the stapler currently stands at $108,895.
Image credit: GameStop.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
