Chaotic Debacle during Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Day Pre-Sales at GameStop
Man, today was a real test of patience!
Got my heart set on snagging a Nintendo Switch 2, only to encounter a digital nightmare. You know the drill – deals at Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, but no dice. Then, GameStop was our last hope for grabbing one before launch, and oh boy, it didn't go smooth.
Preorders were supposed to go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, but the GameStop site and app couldn't handle the rush of requests. Many of us, including some of our Gizmodo crew, faced a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Now, if GameStop's Switch 2 listing loaded at all, it showed a grayed-out "Not Available" box.
But don't despair! I managed to secure an order number, even if I haven't received a confirmation email yet. My order doesn't appear in my GameStop account, and my credit card hasn't been charged. Others seem to have had similar struggles. GameStop eventually informed customers that those without confirmation emails should be getting them soon. Since then, I've received confirmation that my order went through. If you think you might have been lucky, double-check your account or email inbox for a confirmation.
I reached out to GameStop to hear their take on this snafu, but no reply just yet. As of now, the Switch 2 is sold out online from most major retailers, at least until more stock arrives.
GameStop's app showed an "Activity Paused" error with a note about network issues, but it's back online now. Previously, the app couldn't load listings for the console-only model or the Mario Kart World bundle.
In a statement on X, GameStop said "Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online. We will continue to squash bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory."
There's still hope for securing a Switch 2 on launch day. Venturing into the real world to hit up brick-and-mortar retailers might be your best bet. Mind you, there are reports of massive lines at GameStop stores nationwide. Some outlets have limited stock, while others may have upwards of 50 units or more available. Some consumers reported getting in line early in the morning and leaving with a Switch 2 receipt. But don't jump in your car just yet – call the store first to see if they have any units left.
The Switch 2 is slated to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years. In fact, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had to issue an apology after preorders for the Switch 2 in 2025 exceeded the number of available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store in Japan1. Nintendo promised to send out emails to users ordering directly through the company on May 81. However, the company also cautions on its website that delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed2.
With the Switch 2 currently listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, it might be time to take a deep breath and wait for the console after launch on June 5. That gives you time to read reviews (we do those!) and decide whether you really need a new device in your life.
This is a developing story. We'll be updating this post as we learn more information.
- Despite encountering a digital nightmare trying to preorder the Nintendo Switch 2, there's still hope for consumers to secure one on launch day.
- GameStop's website and app experienced a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway due to the rush of requests, but the app is back online now.
- The Switch 2 is expected to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years, previously causing Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa to issue an apology for exceeded preorders in 2025.
- Venturing into brick-and-mortar retailers might be the best bet for consumers to find a Nintendo Switch 2, with reports of massive lines at GameStop stores nationwide.
- In a statement, GameStop mentioned ongoing efforts to squash bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory for the Nintendo Switch 2.
