GameStop’s Nintendo Switch 2 stapler sells for more than $100,000 on eBay after viral mishap

From being the face of memestock mania to going viral for inadvertently stapling the screens of brand-new video game consoles, GameStop is no stranger to infamy.

Last month, during the midnight release of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, employees at GameStop’s Staten Island location punctured both the cardboard packaging and screens of some devices in a single motion—while stapling customers’ receipts. Although the company replaced the damaged devices, the incident quickly went viral on social media.

Now, in typical GameStop fashion, the company is selling what it calls “authentic relics from the now-infamous ‘Staplegate’ incident,” launching an eBay auction on July 9 starting at $1.

“Sometimes the universe hands you a stapler and says, ‘Run with it.’ So we did—for a good cause,” a company spokesperson tells Fast Company.

The stapler in question is described in the listing as having “authentic field-use wear throughout.” In the spokesperson’s words, “The stapler now stands as a retail legend born from a half-second decision.”

At the time of this writing, the listing had received more than 200 bids, the highest reaching $122,800. According to the company, all proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

In addition to the stapler, the listing includes “the first known console to be officially stapled during a product launch by GameStop,” the stapled box, the removed single staple, and a certificate of authenticity signed by GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen.

The auction aligns with GameStop’s history of unconventional decisions—including the announcement earlier this year that the company would invest its cash, equity issuances, and future debt into Bitcoin.

The listing gained nearly 250,000 views within its first 24 hours and is rapidly gaining traction on social media, in part due to comments made by the CEO.

“If this reaches six figures I will include my underwear,” Cohen said on X.

When the listing surpassed $100,000, he promised another “prize”: “If this reaches seven figures I will fly the winner to Miami, take them to McDonald’s for lunch and personally deliver my preowned underwear.”

Users on social media have flooded the post’s comment section, sharing AI-generated images of the proposed transaction and asking questions.

“Important detail needed: Used or laundered?” one person replied on X.

As to the state of the CEO’s undergarments, the GameStop spokesperson tells Fast Company: “The winner will have to find out.”


https://www.fastcompany.com/91366158/gamestop-staplegate-auction?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Creado 8h | 11 jul 2025, 12:50:04


Inicia sesión para agregar comentarios

Otros mensajes en este grupo.

Yahoo Creators platform hits record revenue as publisher bets big on influencer-led content

Yahoo’s bet on creator-led content appears to be paying off. Yahoo Creators, the media company’s publishing platform for creators, had its most lucrative month yet in June.

Launched in M

11 jul 2025, 17:30:04 | Fast company - tech
Don’t take the race for ‘superintelligence’ too seriously

The technology industry has always adored its improbably audacious goals and their associated buzzwords. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is among the most enamored. After all, the name “Meta” is the resi

11 jul 2025, 12:50:02 | Fast company - tech
Why AI-powered hiring may create legal headaches

Even as AI becomes a common workplace tool, its use in

11 jul 2025, 12:50:02 | Fast company - tech
Gen Zers are posting their unemployment era on TikTok—and it’s way too real

Finding a job is hard right now. To cope, Gen Zers are documenting the reality of unemployment in 2025.

“You look sadder,” one TikTok po

11 jul 2025, 10:30:04 | Fast company - tech
The most effective AI tools for research, writing, planning, and creativity

This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. 

11 jul 2025, 10:30:04 | Fast company - tech
Tesla sets annual meeting for November amid shareholder pressure

Tesla has scheduled an annual shareholders meeting for November, one day after the

10 jul 2025, 20:40:02 | Fast company - tech