GameStop stapler that ruined a Switch 2 display is up for auction, price already at $217,000

When the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, an incident occurred in which a GameStop employee stapled some customer receipts to the Switch 2 boxes. A seemingly normal task for a retail store, but unfortunately, without a protection layer between the cardboard and the Switch 2 display, this GameStop stapler ended up puncturing holes into displays, affecting multiple customers.

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With the issue being reported on Reddit, the story spread rapidly, and the problems were quickly resolved for those affected. As part of a new GameStop Staplegate Charity Auction, with the funds raised going to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the infamous GameStop stapler, the first "stapled Nintendo Switch 2" console, the box, and even the staple (which has been "carefully extracted and preserved") are up for grabs.

As of writing, the current bid is just over $217,000 for this rare collector's item, which comes with a certificate of authenticity. It's a lot of money to pay for a Switch 2 console and a stapler, but the money is going to a good cause.

On the plus side, the affected Nintendo Switch 2 console has been refurbished, with the screen repaired, and is now ready to play Mario Kart World. The collector's item also arrives in a custom display box commemorating the time a simple stapler ended up ruining some Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on launch day, which the listing refers to as 'Staplegate.'

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If you're wondering if there's any possible way that this story can get weirder, well, strap in. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen posted to social media that "If this reaches six figures, I will include my underwear," which it has. A joke made on the assumption that it would sell for a lot less? Perhaps, but in a follow-up post, he says that he will "fly the winner to Miami, take them to McDonald's for lunch and personally deliver my pre-owned underwear" if the auction reaches seven figures. Considering how quickly it's reached $200,000, we're not ruling that out.