GameStop's infamous Nintendo Switch 2 Stapler is now up for grabs if you have $100,000

GameStop has managed to turn around its Nintendo Switch 2 launch night fiasco. The retailer is auctioning the infamous black stapler that punctured holes into numerous Switch 2 screens at its Staten Island, New York, store. The proceeds of the auction will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. As of now, bids have exceeded $100,000 with six days remaining.

The infamous stapler has been listed on eBay and will come with a certificate of authenticity, and the first Nintendo Switch 2 that had its screen stapled, now refurbished back to a working state. Additionally, the lucky buyer will also receive the original packaging with visible puncture marks.

Gamestop has described the item as the “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 receipt directly to a customer’s new Nintendo Switch 2 box, puncturing the cardboard and screen in one swift motion.”

The ‘Staplegate’ listing further states, “Features authentic field-use wear throughout and retired immediately from service, the stapler now stands a retail legend born from a half-second decision.”

For context, customers unboxed their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles last month only to find out that the screens had been punctured by staples. The culprit was an employee who attached receipts to the packaging, only to inadvertently drive staples into the screens. These incidents were isolated to a single Staten Island location. GameStop quickly replaced the damaged units for the affected customers.

In the aftermath of the incident, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated: “While the incident itself was unfortunate, we hope its legacy serves a greater purpose.” In a strange twist, Cohen also pledged to include a pair of his own undergarments if the auction passed six figures. At the time of writing, the listing stands at $111,269.00 with 188 bids, with 228,167 views in the past 24 hours.

The retail blunder has intentionally been pivoted into a social media win for the company while also acting as a charitable vehicle, aiming to make a real difference for children in need.