The highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 hit a snag last month when GameStop customers in Staten Island, New York, found puncture holes in their new consoles from an employee’s over-eager stapler-use.
Though the gaming retailer reportedly made it up to the affected customers with swift replacements, the company — famously attached to meme-stock culture and marketing campaigns geared at the extremely-online segment of society — is not hoping its customers forget “Staplegate.”
Instead, GameStop is making headlines by auctioning off the stapler said to be responsible for the now-infamous puncture holes on eBay.
The current bid with one day remaining?
$249,900.
For a stapler.
To be fair, the lot includes the Nintendo Switch 2, original retail packaging and the stapler.
According to a letter of authenticity provided in the listing, the stapler was “used by a GameStop associate who, in a moment of launch night excitement and misjudged enthusiasm, stapled a receipt directly to a customer’s new Nintendo Switch 2 box — puncturing both cardboard and screen in one swift motion.
“Features authentic field-use wear throughout and retired immediately from service, the stapler now stands as a retail legend born from a half-second decision," the description reads.
Proceeds will go to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
As the auction began, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen doused fuel on the fire by promising, “If this reaches six figures I will include my underwear.”
After the auction passed six figures, Cohen upped the stakes, writing, “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.”
Cohen has since provided a “Sneak peak” of the aforementioned underwear.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible content.