GameStop's 'Staplegate' Spurs Viral Charity Auction

During the Nintendo Switch 2 midnight launch in June, a GameStop in Staten Island, New York, accidentally damaged several consoles by stapling receipts through the boxes, puncturing the screens. The incident, dubbed 'Staplegate,' went viral, prompting GameStop to replace the affected consoles and turn the mishap into a charity auction. The auction features the infamous stapler, the first repaired Switch 2, the staple, and the original box, each with an authenticity certificate signed by CEO Ryan Cohen. Publicity and Cohen’s social media promises of extra prizes at higher bid levels have driven bids past $100,000. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the auction is scheduled to end on July 16. The episode has transformed an embarrassing error into a major fundraising success and a memorable moment in gaming culture.