Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Mishandled by GameStop on Launch Day
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: A chaotic whirlwind of bots, bungled orders, and brick-and-mortar queues
Man, oh man! Today should've been a day of triumph, but instead, it turned into a wild goose chase for the Nintendo Switch 2. Stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target left hopeful gamers hangin' high and dry, and GameStop was the last ditch effort for launch-day glory.
Preorders were slated to go live on GameStop's site at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, but the retailer's platform couldn't keep up with the deluge of requests. Users across the board, including a few of our Gizmodo peeps, faced the dreaded Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Currently, if the GameStop listing for Switch 2 loads at all, it shows a grayed-out box, indicating that the handheld is "Not Available."
But, let me share a little secret. I managed to sneak in there, and for a brief moment, I saw a red box with a "Not Available" sticker. I clicked on it, and voilà, I had the opportunity to buy the console. An order number came through, but I'm still waiting on a confirmation email, and the order doesn't show up in my GameStop account. My credit card remains untouched. Apparently, several others had the same bizarre issue. GameStop did reassure customers that those without a confirmation email would receive one shortly. I've since received word that my order went through, so if you managed to secure a number, check your account or email inbox for that confirmation.
However, you might want to cool your jets and just wait for a console after launch day, June 5. That'll give you time to peruse reviews (hey, we cover those!) and decide if you really need a new gaming device in your life.
If you're still not deterred, there's one last hope for these uncertain times: in-store preorders. Yes, you'll have to hit the pavement - and possibly wait in line - but remember, fortune favors the bold. GameStop locations across the U.S. have varying levels of stock, with some stores carrying upwards of 50 units or more. But beware the snake-like queues and the elusive promise of the Switch 2. Better call ahead before wasting your time.
Now, let's talk about Nintendo's apology on the other side of the world - Japan. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa was forced to apologize after preorders on the My Nintendo Store in Japan quickly surpassed the number of available launch units. Nintendo has promised to email users ordering directly through the company on May 8, but delivery by the projected launch date may not be guaranteed.
As of this writing, the Switch 2 is listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Now, you might want to consider cooling your jets and waiting for the initial rush to pass. That strategy will also give you time to read up on reviews (our team's got you covered!) and make an informed decision on whether you truly need a new device in your life.
This is an ever-evolving story. Stay tuned as we continue to gather more information.
Substantiation:
1. It appears that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 went live on April 24, 2023 but were quickly sold out.Attempts to preorder from retailers like Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target have proved unsuccessful.2. There are varying reports of GameStop's platform buckling under the pressure of high demand, displaying Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway, and showing the handheld as not available.3. In some instances, users were able to see the option to purchase the Switch 2 briefly, but orders do not appear to be going through as intended, with some users still awaiting confirmation emails or seeing the charges on their credit card.4. Despite these difficulties, there remains one last hope for securing a Switch 2 on launch day: visiting brick-and-mortar retail stores.5. In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa was forced to apologize after preorders for the Switch 2 quickly exceeded the number of available launch units on the My Nintendo Store. Nintendo has vowed to send out emails to users ordering directly through the company on May 8, but delivery by the projected launch date may not be guaranteed.6. The Nintendo Switch 2 is still listed as unavailable on the sites of major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.*7. It may be more advisable to wait until after the initial rush of the launch day to secure a console or consider purchasing from second-hand markets.
- The Nintendo Switch 2's preorders on April 24, 2023, were quickly sold out across retailers like Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target.
- Users attempting to preorder from GameStop reported encountering a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway and the handheld being listed as not available.
- At times, the Switch 2 was briefly visible for purchase, but orders seem to be processing in a way that's unintended, with some users still awaiting confirmation emails or seeing charges on their credit card.
- Despite the technical issues, purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day can still be achieved by visiting brick-and-mortar retail stores.
- In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa issued an apology after preorders for the Switch 2 quickly surpassed the number of available launch units on the My Nintendo Store. Nintendo promised to send out emails to users on May 8, but delivery by the projected launch date may not be guaranteed.
