Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Falter on GameStop's Debut Day
Heads Up: GameStop's Nintendo Switch 2 Preorders Disaster
The supposed launch day score for the Nintendo Switch 2 turned into a colossal mess for eager shoppers, thanks to GameStop's botched online preorders. With preorders supposed to start at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, GameStop became the final hope for many customers, following nights of fruitless attempts at retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.
Yet, within minutes, GameStop's website and app were swamped with an avalanche of requests. Instead of securing a console, most users encountered a Cloudflare error 502 for bad gateway. The GameStop listing for the Switch 2 showed a not-so-inviting grayed-out box labeling the handheld as "Not Available."
However, I can swear on my favorite video game that for a brief moment, a red box with a "Not Available" sticker miraculously popped up on the site. A click revealed a page to purchase the console, and an order number was granted. Despite receiving an order number, confirmation emails remain MIA. Other buyers shared similar predicaments. GameStop later informed customers to expect confirmation emails shortly.
As for me, I've yet to receive an email confirmation, and my account still doesn't reflect the order. My credit card remains unscratched. Looks like I wasn't as lucky as I thought.
Reaching out to GameStop for a much-needed update, they've yet to respond. With most major retailers already selling out, it's evident that the Switch 2 stock online is a scarcity until more stock is restocked.
The GameStop app initially displayed an "Activity Paused" error with a note: "We are having problems processing this request from the network you are currently on." Fortunately, the app is up and running as of Thursday afternoon. Previously, the app failed to load listings for both the $450 console-only model and the $500 Mario Kart World bundle that offers a $30 savings compared to buying the game separately.
GameStop posted an update on their platform, acknowledging Nintendo Switch 2 preorders selling out online. They're working to squash bot and duplicate orders to potentially reopen inventory.
Your last chance to snag a Switch 2 on launch day lies with in-store pre-orders. But be prepared to queue at brick-and-mortar retailers, and good luck. Users report long lines at GameStop locations across the U.S. Some outlets have a decent stock, up to 50 units or more, while others might not have enough to satisfy the eager masses.
While the Switch 2 is poised to be one of the biggest gaming launches in years, it's met with a snag in Japan. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa had to apologize after preorders surpassed the available launch units through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store. Nintendo has promised to send emails to users ordering directly through the company on May 8. However, consumers have been warned that delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed, and some users may receive their invitations after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
Preorders are currently sold out at Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Maybe it's time to take a breather and wait for a console to become available post-launch on June 5. Besides, that'll give you time to read our reviews and decide if another gaming device is necessary in your life.
This is a developing story. We'll keep you updated as more unfolds.
Insights:
- The high demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 led to GameStop's online preorders selling out quickly.
- GameStop encountered technical difficulties managing the large number of preorder requests.
- GameStop is working to squash bot and duplicate orders to potentially reopen the preorder inventory.
- In-store preorders offer a last chance to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day.
- Japan faced an issue with Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa having to apologize for preorders exceeding launch unit availability through Nintendo's My Nintendo Store.
- Delivery of Nintendo Switch 2 preorders placed directly through Nintendo is not guaranteed by June 5.
- GameStop's online preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 turned into a chaos as the technology-focused retailer struggled to handle the surge in requests, ultimately resulting in a Cloudflare error 502 for many customers.
- Despite GameStop becoming the last hope for many consumers, eager shoppers were left disappointed as they encountered 'Not Available' listings instead of being able to secure a preorder.
- The gaming tech enthusiasts at Gizmodo watched as GameStop's website and app were swamped with requests, hoping to nab a preorder and secure their place in the future of technology with the Nintendo Switch 2.
- The tech industry news platform, Ref_src, reported that as of Thursday afternoon, the GameStop app was up and running, although it initially displayed an 'Activity Paused' error when processing requests.
- If you're still hoping to get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, it might be wise to consider the 502-gadgets.com approach – wait for a console to become available post-launch, giving you time to make an informed decision after reading tech reviews and evaluating whether another gaming device is necessary in your life.
