Nintendo Switch 2 Initial Pre-Orders Mishandled by GameStop
Whoa, dude! The hunt for the Nintendo Switch 2 turned out to be a wild goose chase, didn't it?
After a long, stressful night of browsing retail giants like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, GameStop was our last hope for nabbing one for launch day. Pre-orders were supposed to go live on April 24 at 11 a.m. ET, but pretty much as soon as the clock struck the hour, GameStop's site and app started crashing left and right.
Numerous users, including some of our Gizmodo comrades, encountered a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Even if the GameStop listing for Switch 2 did manage to load, it displayed a grayed-out box saying "Not Available."
However, I've got some firsthand proof that there was a brief window where the console could be purchased. Upon reloading the GameStop page, I saw a red box with a "Not Available" sticker. A simple click took me to a page where I could confirm my order. I even received an order number, but no confirmation email has arrived yet. Other buyers seem to have experienced the same issues. GameStop later announced they'd be sending out confirmation emails shortly.
So, if you think you might've struck it lucky, check your email carefully to see if you've received a confirmation.
In an attempt to reach out, I bombarded GameStop with questions, but they've yet to respond. At this point, it's safe to assume that Switch 2 is sold out online from the majority of major retailers—at least until more stock comes back in.
During the initial preorder debacle, the GameStop app displayed an "Activity Paused" error, stating "We are having problems processing this request from the network you are currently on." By Thursday afternoon, the app was back online. Unfortunately, it failed to load listings for both the $450 console-only model and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle, which offers a $30 discount on the game.
In a statement posted on X, GameStop admitted that "Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online" and promised to continue "squashing bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory."
For the brave souls willing to venture outdoors, there's still a sliver of hope: in-store preorders. Yes, it means braving the crowds and waiting in line at a brick-and-mortar retail store, but it's the only chance left. Reports indicate that some locations have anywhere from 50 units upwards available. Some buyers have even walked away with a receipt for a console after lining up early in the morning. But before jumpstarting your car, it's essential to call the store and see if they have any stock left.
According to sources, the Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years. In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa even had to issue an apology after preorders overshot the initial supply through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store. Nintendo has promised to send emails to users ordering directly from the company on May 8, but delivery by the launch date isn't guaranteed due to the high demand.
At this moment, the Switch 2 is nowhere to be found on the shelves of Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. So, it might be wise to hit the brakes and hang tight until post-launch, giving you enough time to read our reviews and seriously think about whether that new console is an absolute necessity in your life.
This story is still developing; stay tuned for updates.
PSA: Nintendo has been sending preorder invites via email to selected Nintendo Switch Online members. To increase your chances of receiving one, consider logging at least 50 hours of Switch gameplay by April 2, 2025, and make sure you've opted-in to share your gameplay data.
Technology can sometimes be a rollercoaster, as the ongoing saga of the Nintendo Switch 2 demonstrates. The future of gaming seems to be in the hands of tech giants like GameStop, and their ability to handle high demand for popular gadgets like the Switch 2 is crucial. Last week, GameStop's website and app crashed shortly after the pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were supposed to go live, leaving potential buyers in the dark. Furthermore, tech enthusiasts are advised to keep an eye on their emails, as Nintendo has been sending out preorder invites for the Switch 2 to selected Nintendo Switch Online members. It's clear that the tech world is buzzing with anticipation for the Switch 2, and Gizmodo will continue to keep you updated on this breaking story.
