Latest news with #Staplegate
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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. What is fractional leadership, and why is it booming now? 5 companies that could hit a $4 trillion market cap after Nvidia Slurpee Day 2025: How to get your free frozen treat at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes today 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.' This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error al recuperar los datos Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos
Metro
3 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Pedal power: Take part in exhilarating cycling challenge at iconic British venue
Pump up those tyres and get your cycling shorts on for an epic race against time at a world famous track better known for speeding cars than bikes. Taking place on September 4, Brands Hatch in Kent is set to become the home for an 8-hour cycling endurance race around it's iconic circuit – and you can be part of it. Entrants don't have to be elite cyclist, as the event is open to all – you just need to have a basic level of fitness and a bike. Test your spirit by signing up as a solo rider, or come with a crew of friends or colleagues and form a relay team for what is going to be an unforgettable day. The day will be more than a race against the clock though – it's a challenge to push beyond your limits and make a lasting impact, as the event is in aid of Metro's chosen charity for our 2025 Lifeline campaign, Missing People, which helps the loved ones of those who have vanished. As part of our support, we have already shared the stories of Matt Bone, Damien Nettles and Luke Durbin and spoken to their families of about the support they've received from the charity We also told the story of Jade Knight, who went missing 50 times as a teenager. More often than not, Missing People was described as a 'lifeline' during people's darkest days. Earlier this year, Metro readers and staff, alongside supporters of Missing People took on the Isle of Wight challenge, trekking up to 50km around theisland's coastline and raising £33,000. Speaking about the work the charity does, Jo Youle OBE, CEO of Missing People, told Metro: 'Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. More Trending 'That means life is lonely, scary, and uncertain for 170,000 families every year. Right now, people are searching for children, fearing for their safety. They are searching too for mums, dads, brothers and sisters, and grandparents who suddenly feel very vulnerable. But with your support we can be there for people who are missing and those who love them. However long it takes.' Jo adds that every pound raised for Missing People is 'vital' in supporting families. For our latest Lifeline event at Brands Hatch, the charity will have a dedicated team track-side to provide support and encouragement throughout your race, as well as a selection of refreshments provided throughout the day. And when those legs start to feel the burn, professional massages will be on hand to help you recover and get back on track. Whether you're entering solo or as a team, participants will need to pay a £60 registration fee. Then you can choose between fundraising a miminum of £440 (per person) or self-fund – £500 for solo riders, £2,000 for a team of four -inclusive of the registration fee. For more information click here. Registration closes on the August 14, 2025. MORE: Oura Gen3 smart ring dubbed 'life-changing' now has 33% off at Amazon MORE: Tadej Pogacar looks unbeatable but the Tour de fatalism may still have a shock in store MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 charity auction for 'Staplegate' stapler is already at £80,000 Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
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.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Nintendo Switch 2 charity auction for 'Staplegate' stapler is already at £80,000
The infamous stapler that ruined a host of day one Nintendo Switch 2 consoles is being sold off for charity on eBay. Aside from the expected stock shortages, the Nintendo Switch 2 launched without a hitch here in the UK. However, you might have heard that things weren't so smooth in the US, at least for those who had bought their console from GameStop during a midnight launch event in Staten Island, New York. Word quickly spread of customers finding their new Switch 2s damaged, straight out of the box. It wasn't Nintendo's fault though, as employees had stapled receipts to the box and because of how the Switch 2 is positioned inside, the staples had pierced all the way through to damage the screen. GameStop offered replacements for any Switch 2 damaged in this way but now, over a month later, it's turned what it calls the Staplegate incident into a marketing stunt by auctioning off the offending stapler. This eBay listing includes the stapler, the first Switch 2 console to have been damaged (which is now repaired and presumably still comes with a download code for Mario Kart World), the box it came in (which still has the puncture marks), and even the specific staple used, now preserved in a small display pouch. The items are described as 'authentic relics from the now infamous Staplegate incident,' with the stapler itself said to have been used 'in a moment of launch night excitement and misjudged enthusiasm.' At the time, it was claimed on Reddit that the reason receipts were being stapled to the Switch 2 boxes in the first place was because the store's air conditioner was broken, which left the store too humid for sticky tape to stay in place. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It's all worked out for the best though, as the auction is being used to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. More Trending The auction is scheduled to last until the afternoon of Wednesday, July 16 – less than a week from now – and it's already attracted 181 bids at the time of writing. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen also said on X he'd throw in his own underwear should the bids reach the six-figure mark and with the highest offer currently standing at $108,895 (£80,000), people will no doubt try to hold him accountable even if he was only joking. $108,895 may seem like a lot to drop on a stapler, but the internet has seen far worse than that before, and at least this is for charity. People bid tens of thousands of dollars on a single Cheeto just because it looked like a pokémon, which finally sold for $87,840 (£64,500). The Cheeto was probably no longer edible but at least with the stapler you get a working Switch 2 through in, which aren't particularly easy to come by right now. Although sadly the auction doesn't ship outside the US. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Where to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK one month after launch MORE: Switch 2 owner banned for playing second-hand Switch 1 games MORE: Nintendo Switch 2 is more powerful than expected says Metal Gear Solid Delta dev
