Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Mishandled on Launch Day by GameStop
Hey there! So, you missed out on the Nintendo Switch 2 chaos, huh? Many of us at Gizmodo can relate. Despite the anticipation, big retailers like GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target didn't quite deliver on launch day.
GameStop was the last hope for most, with preorders scheduled to go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24. But, just like the others, their site and app crashed under the pressure of excessive demand. Users, including our team members, received a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. If the GameStop listing for Switch 2 loaded at all, it simply showed the handheld as "Not Available."
However, I managed to sneak one in—for a brief moment, I saw a "Not Available" box and was taken to a page where I could buy the console. I received an order number, but neither the order nor the charge appeared on my account. So, I'm in limbo, just like many others. GameStop later informed customers that those who didn't receive a confirmation email should be getting one shortly. Since then, I've received confirmation that my order went through. If you're eagerly waiting for your confirmation, check your account or email inbox.
As for GameStop, I haven't heard back from them about the mess. The Switch 2 is virtually sold out online from most major retailers, at least until more stock arrives.
The GameStop app initially displayed an "Activity Paused" error, but it's back online as of Thursday afternoon. The app failed to load both the console-only model and the Mario Kart World bundle listing. GameStop stated in an update that "Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online. We will continue to squash bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory."
In-store preorders might be your last hope for a Switch 2 on launch day. But, brace yourself—you'll need to line up at a brick-and-mortar store and wait. Keep in mind that stores may have varying levels of stock, from as little as a handful to over 50 units. Some customers reported getting in line early in the morning and walking out with a console receipt. But, remember to call the store first before you waste your time.
The Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had to apology in Japan after preorders exceeded available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store. Customers ordering directly from Nintendo can expect emails on May 8, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed.
As of now, the Switch 2 is listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Maybe it's time to chill and wait for the console after launch on June 5. That will also give you time to read reviews (hey, we do those!) and decide whether you really need a new device in your life.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
- Despite the anticipation, tech giants like Gizmodo, GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target faced challenges delivering the Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, with GameStop's site and app crashing under the pressure of excessive demand, displaying a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway.
- Some consumers, including team members at Gizmodo, found a brief moment when the "Not Available" box for the Switch 2 on GameStop's site led them to a page for purchasing the console, but orders didn't appear in their accounts.
- In the tech arena, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years, with its demand exceeding available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store, requiring apologies from Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa in Japan.
- In-store preorders might be consumers' last resort for securing a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, but remember to line up at a brick-and-mortar store and wait, as stores may have varying levels of stock.
- With the Switch 2 listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, consumers might consider waiting after the console's launch on June 5 to make a purchase, giving them time to review gadgets and decide whether they truly need a new device in their lives.
