Well, that could have gone better.
After a night (probably a nightmare for many) of trying to acquire a Nintendo Switch 2 from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, GameStop was the last hope for many prospective customers to snag one for launch day. Preorders were supposed to go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, however the retailer’s site and app shit the bed almost immediately when the time came.
After preorders were set to open, the GameStop site was inundated with a massive number of requests. Users, including several of our Gizmodo staff, received a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. Currently, if the GameStop listing for Switch 2 loads at all, it shows a grayed-out box listing the handheld as “Not Available.”
However, I can personally attest that at one point I reloaded GameStop’s page and saw a red box with a “Not Available” sticker. Clicking on it, I was taken to a page where I could buy the console. I received an order number, but I still have yet to receive a confirmation email. The order does not appear in my GameStop account, and my credit card hasn’t been charged. Other buyers appear to be having the same issue. I’ll be sure to update later if GameStop unintentionally pulled off a bait and Switch.
I reached out to GameStop to see if the company had any update on what’s become a complete disaster, though I didn’t immediately hear back. At this point, it’s safe to say the Switch 2 is sold out online from most major retailers, at least until more stock returns.
Currently, the GameStop app is displaying an error reading “Activity Paused” with the following note: “We are having problems processing this request from the network you are currently on.” Before receiving that issue, the app failed to load the listings for both the $450 console-only model and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle that shaves $30 off buying the game separately.
There’s still one last hope for securing a Switch 2 on launch day, and that’s with an in-store preorder. Yes, you’ll need to go to a brick-and-mortar retail… and wait. Good luck though, because users are reporting massive lines at GameStop locations across the U.S. Some locations have varying levels of stock, though some may have as many as 50 units available. Some consumers reported getting in line early in the morning and walking out with a receipt for a console. However, we don’t suggest you get in your car right now to see if you’re lucky. At least try calling the store first before you waste your time.
The Switch 2 is set 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. However, the company cautions on its website: “Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. Your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.”
As of the time of writing, the Switch 2 is listed as sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Maybe its time to cool your jets and just wait to get a console after launch June 5. That will also give you time to read reviews (hey, 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.
