GameStop stapler that destroyed Switch 2 launch units has sold for $250,000

The stapler and Nintendo Switch 2 combo that GameStop had listed for auction has finally sold for an astonishing quarter million dollars. But that’s good news as the retailer plans on giving the proceeds to a children’s charity. It was an interesting move on GameStop’s part in an attempt to turn the launch night fiasco around and it seems to have paid off.

For those unaware, excited fans were present at the GameStop store in Staten Island, New York to collect their Nintendo Switch 2 on launch night. Unfortunately, that excitement was marred for a few unlucky shoppers as an employee who was unknowingly stapling the receipts on top of Switch 2 boxes didn’t realize they were puncturing the screen of the handheld.

Of course, those shoppers did get replacements from the store. The incident was labelled ‘Staplegate’ and in an interesting move, GameStop turned it around by auctioning off the infamous stapler, bundling it with a new Switch 2 and promising to give the proceeds to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The listing was put up on eBay and has reportedly sold for $250,000, concluding the auction.  

Before the bids crossed $100,000, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that if it does reach six figures, he will include his underwear in the listing. Later, he posted that if the item reaches seven figures, he will fly the winner out to Miami and take them to McDonald’s for lunch and also personally deliver his underwear. Weather it was a joke or an actual offer, only the winner of the auction and Cohen will know.