Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Fumble on Launch Day by GameStop
Yikes, what a fiasco! If you're still chasing after that Nintendo Switch 2, you're not alone. The launch day demand got the best of GameStop's online preorders on April 24. Remember, preorders were supposed to drop at 11 a.m. ET like a glorious Nintendo gift from the heavens, but instead, their site and app crumbled under the force of zealous gamers.
Red-handed and red-faced, GameStop spluttered out Cloudflare's dreaded error 502 for bad gateway, and their site currently shows the Switch 2 as "Not Available" in a grayed-out box. But hey, if you're lucky enough to stumble upon that elusive red box with the "Not Available" sticker, going ahead and clicking it could reward you with the chance to score the console. Just don't hold your breath for a confirmation email or sight of the order in your GameStop account – even your beloved credit card might be safe for now.
Brace yourself because other customers reported similar issues, as the retailer later admitted. Yet, fingers crossed, you might find that your order went through, confirmation email or not. Double-check your account or email inbox to find out if you've struck gold on the order front.
GameStop finally spoke up, confirming that the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders had sold out online. They promised to combat bot and duplicate orders in an attempt to restore inventory1. But until then, the Switch 2 appears to be a ghost among ghosts, gone from most major retailers' virtual shelves, at least until more stock resurfaces.
For those who still believe in the power of brick-and-mortar stores, there's one last sliver of hope: in-store preorders. Yep, you'll have to put on some pants, gather your gaming squad, and stand in line like it's 2006. Of course, that means facing the music, and potential lines at GameStop locations all over the U.S. Some stores might have as few as 50 units or more, while others may drool Nintendo goodness like a starving beast1.
So, grab your controller and prep your patter because it might be a while before a shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 comes your way. Japan's Nintendo President, Shuntaro Furukawa, even had to issue an apology after the preorders exceeded the available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store1. Nintendo has promised to email users ordering directly through the company, but delivery by June 5 is not a guaranteed, so be patient.
As for the Switch 2's current whereabouts online, it's quite the hot potato – Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have all run out. So, maybe it's best to take a chill pill, wait for some glowing reviews (we'll have a few in the pipeline), and snag that Switch 2 when it hits shelves on June 5.
Disclaimer: this is a developing story. We'll be updating this piece as new information surfaces.
- In the realm of tech and future gadgets, Gizmodo suggests that tech enthusiasts who are still pursuing the elusive Nintendo Switch 2 might find solace in in-store preorders at GameStop, as online preorders have evidently sold out.
- With the Switch 2 seemingly vanished from major retailers' virtual shelves, Gizmodo encourages tech lovers to exercise patience, keeping an eye on reviews before making a purchase on the release date, June 5.
- Despite the initial chaos surrounding the online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, technology enthusiasts can anticipate a chance to grab a unit when the time comes, as numerous tech outlets have reported that some GameStop stores still have as few as 50 units in stock.
