For those who haven’t been keeping up with the latest gaming news, you may have missed one of the more bizarre and amusing stories of the season. Gaming retail giant GameStop recently found itself the subject of internet mockery after a major blunder involving the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
In an attempt to streamline its pre-order process, GameStop staff attached paper receipts directly to the Nintendo Switch 2 boxes using a stapler. Unfortunately, the staples didn’t just secure the receipts to the packaging. They punctured the boxes and went so far as to damage the screens of the consoles inside, rendering some of the devices defective straight out of the box.
Dubbed the “Staplegate” incident, the mishap sparked widespread amusement and frustration in the gaming community. However, in an unexpected twist, GameStop has turned this blunder into a positive initiative.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Fiasco Turned Good
As part of their response, and after replacing all affected Nintendo Switch 2 units for customers, GameStop decided to auction off the very stapler responsible for the damage. The auction is being held on eBay, with all proceeds pledged to charity, specifically the Children’s Miracle Network.
The auction package includes the stapler, a box of the offending staples, and even one of the damaged Nintendo Switch 2 units as a collector’s item. What began as a mistake is now being used as a idea for good.
Surprisingly, the stunt has proven highly successful. At the time of writing, the highest bid for the stapler has already reached an impressive $108,895.
GameStop has since issued a statement explaining the incident as a result of overexcitement and poor judgment during a late-night release rush. They hope this incident, though unfortunate, can serve as a reminder and ultimately contribute to a worthy cause.
The stapler that once symbolised one of GameStop’s biggest launch-day blunders now stands as a unique piece of gaming history—and a tool for charity.
