GameStop's Bizarre Stapler Mishap Turns into a $250,000 Auction Sensation

A seemingly harmless stapler has become infamous among New York City's gaming community after causing damage to a Nintendo Switch 2 at a local GameStop in June.

In an unexpected twist, GameStop has capitalized on the accidental incident, transforming it into a charity auction: the very same stapler, among other memorabilia, is now being auctioned on eBay, fetching nearly $250,000 to date.

As of Saturday, close to 300 bids have been recorded.

"Consider this our form of 'corporate responsibility,'" shared a GameStop representative with Business Insider.

The phenomenon, now titled "staplegate," initiated last month when the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 was released. Fans who had first experienced the original Nintendo Switch eight years ago had to endure a setback due to tariff-related issues before the newest console could launch, priced at $499.

While many owners received their new consoles intact, some reported receiving units with screen punctures. The unexpected culprit was found to be a lone stapler at a GameStop in Staten Island, originally intended to attach receipts to the packaging.

Although GameStop offered replacements for the flawed consoles, a company spokesperson noted their intent to "turn the mistake into a chance for positive contribution."

The successful bidder will take home four unique items: a Nintendo Switch 2 that bears the original staplers but has since been repaired, the packaging showing marks from the stapler, the stapler itself, and the staple that caused the initial damage.

A personal touch comes from GameStop's CEO, Ryan Cohen, who announced on X that if auction bids exceed $100,000, he'll include his own underwear in the auction package.

This threshold was crossed, and by Thursday, Cohen humorously promised that if the auction reached the million-dollar mark, he would escort the winner to Miami, treat them to lunch at McDonald's, and hand over the preowned underwear personally.

GameStop's Playful Auction Approach

A spokesperson from GameStop expressed that turning the items into auction material was an obvious decision.

"The story effectively promoted itself. The stapler became so notorious it practically requested representation," they explained.

Luckily, acquiring the infamous stapler was straightforward.

"We simply asked, and it was handed over without issue to our social media and marketing teams," the spokesperson added, commenting that the reaction has "far surpassed our anticipations."

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The auction is set to close on July 16.