GamesStop is Auctioning the Stapler That Punched Through Switch 2 Boxes, Raises $100K

GameStop’s launch-night blunder became a masterstroke. A Staten Island employee accidentally stapled receipts through brand-new Switch 2 consoles—right into the screens. Instead of burying the mistake, GameStop leaned into it. They replaced damaged units, poked fun at themselves, then auctioned off the actual stapler and console combo. Now, bids have surged past US $100,000 for charity.

🎯 What Went Wrong: A Stapled Launch

At a Staten Island location during the Switch 2 launch in early June, an employee stapled receipts to consoles. The staples punctured both the packaging and the screens—a pretty rough start. The media dubbed it “Staplegate.” GameStop acted fast, replacing the affected consoles and removing staplers from all stores to prevent any repeat incidents.

What exactly happened? A well-meaning employee attempted the age-old retail trick of stapling receipts to product boxes. But with no protective layer between the cardboard and the delicate Switch 2 displays, the staples went right through—damaging multiple units and leaving several customers with a surprise “bonus feature” on their brand-new screens. News of the mishap hit Reddit almost immediately, sparking viral threads and plenty of memes as the story spread across the internet.

Quick Fixes and Damage Control

Replaced all affected units
Confiscated staplers from the launch site
Called the incident a “unique case”

GameStop moved quickly—and transparently—to correct the issue. They acknowledged staplers were to blame and promised replacements. That move, according to The Verge and Times of India, was well-received.

📣 PR Spin: From Gaffe to Goodwill

Instead of trying to bury the story, GameStop took center stage. They joked about the incident on social media and ran a cheeky promotion: a 20 % trade-in bonus for Switch 2 units bought elsewhere and returned with a receipt. They even joked, “Staplers have been confiscated,” referencing Office Space.

The satirical letter from CEO Ryan Cohen framed the mess-up as part of GameStop lore. The auction it sparked was dubbed the “Staplegate Charity Auction,” and all proceeds go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

But the weirdness didn’t stop there. As bids soared, Cohen himself jumped into the fray on social media, quipping: “If this reaches six figures, I will include my underwear.” When the six-figure mark inevitably fell, he upped the ante: “If the auction hits seven figures, I’ll fly the winner to Miami, take them to McDonald’s for lunch, and personally deliver my pre-owned underwear.” With bids skyrocketing and the internet in stitches, nobody’s ruling out a Happy Meal with the CEO just yet.

💰 Stapler on eBay: Bids Skyrocket

The auction isn’t just for the stapler. Here’s what’s up for grabs:

The actual stapler used during launch night
The first stapled Switch 2 console (serial: HAW50270415462), now repaired
The console’s box, still showing the staple puncture
The original staple in a display case
A certificate of authenticity signed by Ryan Cohen

Restored and Ready for Action

The once-stapled Switch 2 isn’t just a sympathy case. Before going up for bids, it was professionally repaired—screen damage fixed and the console put back into full working order. The console now boots up like new, ready for its next round of Mario Kart mayhem. To mark the moment in GameStop history, the package arrives in a special commemorative display box—complete with a nod to the “Staplegate” saga that started it all.

Bidding war for charity
Early bids hit ~US $15,000. Now they’ve surged past US $100,000. The auction’s got viral energy—part meme, part altruism, and all hype . Redditors are loving the mix of comedy and charity:

“Talk about taking a lemon and turning it into lemonade.”
“A bit weird… but at least it’s helping [Children’s Miracle Network].” (Reddit)

🗞️ How This Incident Stacks Up Against Other Switch 2 Headlines

While the Staten Island “Staplegate” is easily the wildest Switch 2 launch story to date, there’s been no shortage of headline-grabbing news surrounding Nintendo’s latest console. Just compare GameStop’s stapler saga with the flurry of Switch 2 updates that have hit the wires recently:

Despite launch night hiccups, Nintendo reports the Switch 2 shattered all previous records—becoming the fastest-selling console within 24 hours, according to NPD Group and Famitsu.
Shortages are making headlines too. With demand outpacing supply and stories of pre-orders drying up, it’s become far more challenging to get your hands on a Switch 2, with long lines and resale prices soaring.
Economic ripples are also in the mix—thanks to recent trade tariff talk, industry analysts predict the Switch 2’s retail price could jump from the original $449 up to $600 in some regions, giving scalpers even more ammunition.

Meanwhile, GameStop’s accidental “limited edition” stapled Switch 2 might just be the only console making news for a manufacturing blunder—rather than speed, scarcity, or pricing drama. In the growing stack of Switch 2 news, Staplegate stands alone as a comedy-of-errors turned charitable viral event.

🧭 Why This Works

Humor cuts tension. GameStop laughed at itself—making the stunt shareable.
Transparency builds trust. They replaced units fast and admitted fault.
Charity adds value. The auction drives engagement for a good cause.
Meme culture builds buzz. The absurdity sparked viral attention.

Summary
GameStop’s Switch 2 stapler fiasco started as a PR headache but turned into a viral, charitable win. They replaced all damaged units, removed staplers, poked fun publicly, and auctioned off the accidental weapon. And in the process, they raised over US $100,000 for kids in need. A messy start, smart spin, solid payoff.