Key Takeaways
1. GameStop is auctioning a black stapler linked to the “Staplegate” incident, where it damaged Nintendo Switch 2 screens during launch night.
2. All auction profits will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, with current bids exceeding $100,000.
3. The auction includes a certificate of authenticity and the first damaged Nintendo Switch 2, which has been refurbished.
4. The stapler has been described as an “authentic relic” and was retired immediately after the incident.
5. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is adding a personal touch to the auction by offering a pair of his own underwear if bids reach six figures.
GameStop has successfully recovered from the mishap during the launch night of the Nintendo Switch 2. The retailer is now auctioning off the notorious black stapler that accidentally damaged several Switch 2 screens at their Staten Island, New York, location. All profits from this auction will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Currently, bids have surpassed $100,000 with six days left in the auction.
Auction Details
This infamous stapler is listed on eBay and will come with a certificate of authenticity, along with the very first Nintendo Switch 2 that had its screen stapled, which has since been refurbished. The fortunate buyer will also receive the original packaging, which shows visible puncture marks from the incident.
GameStop has referred to this item as an “authentic relic from the now-infamous ‘Staplegate’ incident.” The black stapler was used by a GameStop employee who, in a moment of overzealous excitement during launch night, stapled a receipt directly onto a customer’s new Nintendo Switch 2 box, causing damage to both the cardboard and the screen in one quick act.
The Staplegate Incident
The listing for ‘Staplegate’ further explains, “Features authentic field-use wear throughout and retired immediately from service, the stapler now stands a retail legend born from a half-second decision.”
To add some context, customers who unwrapped their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles last month discovered that the screens had been punctured by staples. This was due to an employee attaching receipts to the boxes, accidentally driving staples into the screens. These occurrences were limited to just one Staten Island store. GameStop promptly replaced the damaged consoles for the customers affected.
In the wake of this incident, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen commented: “While the incident itself was unfortunate, we hope its legacy serves a greater purpose.” In a surprising twist, Cohen even promised to throw in a pair of his own underwear if the auction surpassed six figures. At the time of this writing, the listing is sitting at $111,269.00, with 188 bids and 228,167 views in the last 24 hours.
A Charitable Turnaround
This retail mistake has been cleverly transformed into a social media success for the company, while also serving as a charitable initiative to genuinely help children in need.
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