Nintendo Switch 2 Day One Preorders Mishandled by GameStop
Nintendo Switch 2 Debacle: GameStop's Chaotic Preorders
Have you been chasing a Nintendo Switch 2 like a dog with a chew toy? Sadly, you're not alone.
Let's face it, the hunt for a Nintendo Switch 2 wasn't exactly a walk in the park. Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target had customers scratching their heads on launch day. Meanwhile, GameStop was our final hope for salvation... or so we thought.
GameStop's Burning Embers
Preorders were scheduled to ignite at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, but GameStop's site and app were as reliable as a house of cards in a hurricane. When the time came, the site crashed like a plane hitting the tarmac, leaving customers cursing the heavens and hitting refresh on their browsers. Users, including several Gizmodo staff members, were greeted with a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. If the site managed to load at all, it showed the Switch 2 as "Not Available."
But wait! For a brief moment, I got a glimpse of hope. I reloaded the page, and to my astonishment, I saw a red box proclaiming "Not Available." Clicking it, I was taken to a page where I could purchase the console. I received an order number, but I haven't received a confirmation email yet. My credit card also remains untouched. Other buyers had similar experiences. GameStop eventually informed customers that they should be receiving their confirmation emails soon. If you think you may have nabbed a Switch 2, check your account or email to see if you've received a confirmation.
I reached out to GameStop to get an update on the debacle, but they've yet to respond.
At this point, it's safe to say the Switch 2 is sold out online from most major retailers until more stock returns.
The GameStop App: A Disappointing Distraction
For a short while, the GameStop app displayed an error reading "Activity Paused" with the following message: "We are having problems processing this request from the network you are currently on." The app is back online as of Thursday afternoon. Previously, the app failed to load listings for both the $450 console-only model and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle, which saves $30 on the game purchase.
In an update on their site, GameStop stated, "Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online. We will continue to squash bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory."
Last Call: The In-Store Line
If you somehow managed to miss out on a preorder, there's still a glimmer of hope: the brick-and-mortar retail experience. Yes, you'll need to venture out into the wild and wait in line. But remember, it's a digital age, so you might not want to. Some consumers have reported long lines at GameStop locations across the U.S., with others boasting over 50 units in stock. However, YOU should probably call the store before wasting your time.
The Switch 2 is poised to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years.
In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had to issue an apology after preorders exceeded the number of available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store. Nintendo has promised to send out emails to users ordering directly through the company on May 8.
As of the time of writing, the Switch 2 is listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Maybe it's time to cool your jets and wait for a console after June 5. That'll also give you time to read our reviews and decide whether you really need a new device in your life.
This is a developing story. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.
- Gizmodo staff members encountered a Cloudflare error 502 while trying to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2 on GameStop's site.
- The technology sector continues to evolve, and the Future of gaming is still uncertain due to issues like the Nintendo Switch 2 debacle.
- Tech enthusiasts are keeping an eye on Gamestop for any signs of restocked gadgets like the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
- Consumers who are yet to secure a preorder for the Nintendo Switch 2 may still have a chance by visiting their local GameStop stores, although proper communication through ref_src (my accounts, email or phone) is crucial to avoid disappointment.
- As more technology advancements are introduced, such as the Nintendo Switch 2, the challenge for consumers lies in navigating the technical hurdles and adapting to the evolving nature of tech retail.
