Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Mishandled on Debut Day by GameStop
Whoa, talk about a letdown!
After a long, nerve-wracking night, folks were looking forward to picking up a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, only to hit a roadblock. GameStop was the last shot for many to snag one before launch day, with pre-orders scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on April 24, 2025.
But alas, GameStop's site and app crashed almost instantly when the time came, inundated with a tidal wave of requests. Users, including some of our Gizmodo staff, encountered a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Now, if the GameStop listing for Switch 2 manages to load at all, it displays a grayed-out box stating the handheld as "Not Available."
I can personally vouch that at one point, I managed to load the GameStop page and saw a red box with a "Not Available" sticker. Upon clicking it, I was prompted to buy the console. I received an order number, but I'm yet to receive a confirmation email. The order does not appear in my GameStop account, and my credit card has not been charged. Many customers reported facing similar predicaments. GameStop later informed customers that those who didn't receive a confirmation email would be receiving one soon. Since then, I've learned that my order went through. So, if you're keeping your fingers crossed, check your account or email inbox to see if you've received a confirmation email.
I reached out to GameStop, but I haven't heard back yet. It's safe to say that the Switch 2 is sold out online from most major retailers, at least until more stock becomes available.
For a brief moment, the GameStop app displayed an error reading "Activity Paused" with the message: "We are having problems processing this request from the network you are currently on." As of Thursday afternoon, the app is back online. Previously, the app failed to load the listings for both the $450 console-only model and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle that offered a $30 savings compared to buying the game individually.
In an update posted to X, GameStop stated, "Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online. We will continue to eliminate bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory."
Although the website troubles were a major headache, there's still a glimmer of hope for securing a Switch 2 on launch day, and that's through an in-store pre-order. Yes, you'll need to brave the store...and the lines. Word has it that GameStop locations across the U.S. have been jam-packed with customers. Some stores have varying levels of stock, while others boast upwards of 50 units or more. Some purchasers reported showing up early in the morning and walking out with a receipt for a console. But before you leap into your car, I'd suggest giving the store a call first to avoid wasting your time.
Buying a Switch 2 could very well be one of the biggest gaming launches in years. In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had to apologize after preorders surpassed 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. However, the company issues a warning on its website: "Due to the incredible demand, we will be working tirelessly to fulfill orders as products become available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch."
As of now, the Switch 2 is listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Maybe it's time to take a deep breath and wait to grab a console after launch day on June 5. That way, you'll have time to read our reviews (yes, we do those!) and decide if you really need a new device in your life.
This is a developing story. We'll be updating this post as we gather more information.
- Tech enthusiasts were left disappointed after GameStop's website and app crashed during the pre-order release of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, causing frustration among consumers.
- Despite the initial setback, there's a glimmer of hope for securing a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day by braving the in-store pre-order lines, with some stores reportedly having upwards of 50 units available.
- In the midst of the online chaos, Gizmodo staff encountered a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway when trying to place an order on GameStop.
- The future of gaming looks bright with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, but consumers might want to consider waiting after launch day to grab a console, giving them time to read reviews and decide if they really need a new gadget in their life.
- As of now, the Nintendo Switch 2 is listed as sold out at major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, and consumers seeking to pre-order might have better luck waiting for more stock to become available.
