How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Nintendo Switch 2 Console
Following the recent $1.4 million theft of nearly 3,000 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles from a truck stop in Bennett, Colorado, authorities are warning consumers to be extra cautious when shopping online. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office fears the stolen units may surface on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, where unsuspecting buyers could be lured by unusually low prices.
Cybersecurity expert Dave Meister advises buyers to stay away from deals that seem too good to be true—especially if they’re 30-40% below retail or not sold through trusted retailers like Best Buy or Nintendo’s official site. High-pressure sales tactics or unsolicited direct messages are also red flags.
To vet sellers, Meister suggests using reverse Google image searches and checking online profiles for signs of legitimacy. Most importantly, always ask for the console’s serial number, located on the bottom of the device, and verify it with Nintendo before purchasing. Stolen units may be tracked and even remotely disabled, leaving buyers with a useless brick.
If you suspect a console is stolen, contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Staying alert can help prevent unknowingly fueling the black market.
