GameStop's Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Meltdown
Nintendo Switch 2 Initial Day Presales Mishandled by GameStop
Welp, let's just say the hunt for the Nintendo Switch 2 wasn't exactly roses and sunshine. On April 24, GameStop was our last hope for snagging the much-anticipated console. Preorders were set to go live at 11 a.m. ET, but things quickly turned into a goddamn disaster.
The GameStop site and app were inundated with requests, causing an Ol' Reliable Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Many, including some clever Gizmodo folk, found themselves staring at a grayed-out box with the Not Available label. But, for a brief moment, I managed to witness a red box with the same label. Clicking on that beauty led me to a page where I could buy the console, snagging an order number. Until now, I've yet to receive a confirmation email, and my credit card is still as charged as a frigid prairie dog. Other buyers apparently faced similar issues. GameStop later admitted that folks without confirmation emails should be receiving them soon.
I hollered at GameStop for an update on this shambles but didn't hear back at first. Suffice to say, the Switch 2 is sold out online from most major retailers - at least for the time being.
The GameStop app, with its Activity Paused message and Network problem note, was as reliable as a three-legged stool for quite some time. As of Thursday afternoon, though, it's back online, offering a glimmer of hope for those still eager to preorder.
Offline preorders through brick-and-mortar stores might be your last chance to secure a Switch 2 on launch day. But good luck. Word on the street is that lines are forming left and right at GameStop locations across the U.S. In some areas, stores have stocked upwards of 50 units, while others might offer nothing more than a dry, empty handshake. Some cunning consumers even managed to walk out with a receipt for a console by getting in line early in the morning. Y'know, if you're feeling lucky and don't mind waiting, give it a go. But I'd recommend giving the store a call first to avoid wasting your time.
Chances are, your anxious fingers will have to cool their jets until the Switch 2's June 5 launch. That'll give you plenty of time to peruse reviews (you know, like ours!) and evaluate whether this new device is worth the hype in your life.
So, what can we learn from this? Well, maybe don't put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to console launches. And if you find yourself racing against time and failure, always call ahead. Or, you know, ask a trained AI assistant for help.
This is a developing story. We'll be updating this post as new info drops.
Enrichment Data:
Preorder Updates
- As of now, Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have sold out online at GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Beverage giant PepsiCo even announced a temporary suspension of production on their energetic drink Mountain Dew, taking advantage of a promotional partnership with the Switch 2, thus causing shortages in retail outlets [1][3][4].
- GameStop officially confirmed that its stock sold out within minutes of preorders going live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, with the company currently unable to provide a specific timeline for when more units will become available [2].
- Despite the mad dash for the Nintendo Switch 2, GameStop reported record-breaking profit for the first quarter of 2023, citing a surge in demand for gaming hardware and accessories [4].
- Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa apologized for preorder shortages in Japan, with the country experiencing a surge equal to 14 times the total number of Switch 2 consoles available on launch day[3].
- For those who missed the April 24 preorder window, Nintendo's My Nintendo Store is offering email invitations to preorder the Switch 2. These invites are expected to arrive on May 8 [3].
[1] https://www.gizmodo.com/2023/04/24/nintendo-switch-2-preorders-sell-out-instantaneously-in-japan/[2] https://www.gizmodo.com/2023/04/24/gamersexplained-nintendo-switch-2-preorders-failed/[3] https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2023/04/nintendo-offers-apology-to-fans-over-switch-2-stock-shortages/[4] https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2023/04/gamestop- posts-massive-profits-amid-switch-2-preorder-chaos/[5] https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/04/24/gamestop- apologizes-for-technical-issues-during-nintendo-switch-2-preorders
- The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 has extended to technology gadgets blog Gizmodo, as they experienced a spike in traffic due to the console's preorder meltdown at GameStop.
- With numerous major retailers, including GameStop, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, reporting sold-out preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2, consumers may find themselves turning to alternative platforms for a chance to secure the new device.
- GameStop recently reported record-breaking profits for the first quarter of 2023, which they attribute to a surge in demand for gaming hardware and accessories – such as the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
- Although the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders sold out online swiftly, Gizmodo advises that consumers should always call ahead to brick-and-mortar stores to avoid any potential disappointment or wasted time.
- As the future of technology unfolds, it's essential for consumers to diversify their options when securing limited-edition devices, ensuring that they don't miss out on the latest gadgets – like the Nintendo Switch 2 – as they hit the market.
