The anticipation surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has led to significant chaos for many gamers attempting to secure their console on launch day. Following a tumultuous night of attempts to preorder the device from major retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, GameStop emerged as the final opportunity for countless hopeful customers. Preorders were scheduled to go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, but when the moment arrived, the retailer's website and app were overwhelmed, causing a frustrating experience for many eager fans.
As soon as the preorder window opened, the GameStop site faced a flood of traffic, resulting in numerous users—including several from our Gizmodo team—encountering a Cloudflare error 502, indicating a bad gateway. Currently, if you attempt to access the GameStop listing for the Switch 2, you may find it shows a grayed-out box stating "Not Available." However, I experienced a moment of hope when I reloaded the page and saw a red box indicating availability. After clicking on it, I was able to proceed with an order, though I have yet to receive a confirmation email, my order does not appear in my GameStop account, and my credit card remains uncharged.
Many customers have reported similar challenges during the preorder process. In a later communication, GameStop informed customers that those who did not receive a confirmation email should expect one soon. Thankfully, I eventually received confirmation regarding my order. If you participated in the preorder frenzy, it’s advisable to check your email inbox or GameStop account for updates regarding your order status.
As inquiries about the preorder mishap increased, I reached out to GameStop for clarification on the situation but did not receive an immediate response. Currently, it appears that the Switch 2 is sold out online at most major retailers, with many anticipating further stock availability in the future. At one point, the GameStop app displayed a message stating, "Activity Paused" alongside a note about processing issues. Fortunately, the app has resumed normal operation as of Thursday afternoon.
For those still eager to secure a Switch 2 on launch day, in-store preorders remain an option, albeit with some challenges. This means you'll need to visit a physical retail location and potentially wait in line. Reports suggest that some GameStop locations across the U.S. are experiencing long queues, with varying stock levels. Some stores may have as many as 50 units available, and early morning arrivals have led to successful purchases for some lucky consumers. However, before heading out, it’s wise to call the store to check on availability to avoid unnecessary trips.
The Switch 2 is anticipated to be one of the most significant gaming launches in recent years. In Japan, Nintendo's President, Shuntaro Furukawa, issued an apology when preorders exceeded the quantity of launch units available through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store. Nintendo has assured customers who ordered directly from them that they will receive emails by May 8, although they caution that due to high demand, delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Customers may receive confirmation emails after the official launch date.
As of now, the Switch 2 is sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. For those who did not secure a preorder, it may be worthwhile to remain patient and consider waiting until after the launch on June 5. This will also provide time to read reviews and assess whether the new device is a necessary addition to your gaming setup.
This situation is evolving, and we will continue to update this article as more information becomes available regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 and its preorder status.
