The excitement surrounding the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 hit a major snag on its first day of preorders, especially for GameStop customers who hoped to secure one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles in recent memory. What was supposed to be a seamless preorder process quickly turned into a frustrating experience for many, as the GameStop website and app were overwhelmed by demand and technical issues.
The Preorder Meltdown
Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were set to go live at 11 a.m. ET on April 24, but when the time came, GameStop’s online platform couldn’t handle the surge of traffic. Within minutes, users were greeted with a “502 Bad Gateway” error, signaling that the website had crashed. For some, the situation was no better on the GameStop app, which displayed an error message reading, “Activity Paused,” leaving hopeful customers stuck in digital limbo.
As a result, many prospective buyers were left frustrated and empty-handed. However, there was a brief glimmer of hope for those who managed to refresh the page just in time. Some users reported briefly seeing the “Not Available” button turn into a clickable option, allowing them to proceed to the checkout page. One of our Gizmodo staff members was able to secure an order number, though they didn’t receive a confirmation email and their credit card was never charged. Others had similar experiences, with GameStop assuring customers that if they hadn’t received a confirmation email, they would be getting one shortly.
Is It Really Sold Out?
Despite the technical chaos, GameStop later confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 preorders had sold out online. In a statement posted on X, GameStop acknowledged the problems, stating, “We will continue to squash bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory.” Unfortunately for many customers, it looks like the Switch 2 is officially sold out at most major retailers, including Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
For those who missed out, there’s still a small chance to secure a Switch 2 in person. GameStop is offering in-store preorders at select locations, but consumers are reporting long lines at stores across the country. Depending on the location, some stores may have as many as 50 units available, while others may have limited stock. If you’re hoping to grab one, it’s best to call ahead and confirm availability before making the trek to your local GameStop.
A Global Frenzy
The demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been so overwhelming that even Nintendo itself has struggled to keep up with orders. In Japan, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa issued an apology after preorders through the company’s My Nintendo Store exceeded the number of available units for launch. Nintendo has promised to send out emails to those who ordered directly through the company by May 8, but the company has warned that delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed. With such high demand, the wait for a Switch 2 may stretch longer than expected.
Should You Wait or Move On?
As of now, the Nintendo Switch 2 is sold out at all major retailers, and with launch day just around the corner, it might be time to cool your jets and wait for more stock to become available. Nintendo has promised to replenish inventory, but with the high demand, it’s unclear when more consoles will hit the shelves. If you’re feeling impatient, consider reading reviews and checking out user feedback after the launch to see if the Switch 2 is really the device you’ve been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
The GameStop preorder disaster serves as a reminder of the challenges retailers face when dealing with highly anticipated product launches. As the dust settles and more Switch 2 consoles make their way to shelves, it’s clear that Nintendo has created something special, but for now, securing a unit will require patience—or a lot of luck.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update this post as more information becomes available.
