Pre-Order Chaos Surrounds Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Pre-ordering Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch 2, has turned into quite the adventure for eager gamers everywhere. With enormous demand and technical glitches plaguing various retailers, getting your hands on this next-gen system is proving nearly impossible.

Target seemed to have some success in managing pre-orders, yet Best Buy had its share of hiccups, and Walmart’s outcomes were all over the map. Meanwhile, GameStop presented fans with another opportunity to snag a pre-order, though some fans have already queued up in anticipation.

The pre-orders for the Switch 2 went live on April 24 at the stroke of midnight Eastern time, and eager buyers, from avid Nintendo fans to profit-seeking scalpers, scrambled to secure their spot in line for the much-anticipated console.

Once Nintendo officially announced the April 24 date for pre-orders, the big retailers quickly followed suit. Target, Walmart, and Best Buy lined up their plans for the midnight release, while GameStop opted to start its pre-orders later in the morning at 11am Eastern, or whenever their stores open.

With the anticipation building to fever pitch, Nintendo enthusiasts hustled to make their pre-orders at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Although some lucky fans managed to lock in their consoles, others faced a frustrating series of issues. Social media has been abuzz with accounts of the challenges, with experiences varying from one retailer to another.

It appears the Target crowd had the best luck, even if their journey wasn’t without obstacles. Some hopefuls found themselves facing endless loading screens while trying to complete their purchase. In a bizarre twist, I encountered a glitch where Target attempted to charge me for two consoles, despite just one being in my cart.

Over at Best Buy, things didn’t kick off exactly as anticipated. Pre-orders seemingly missed their midnight launch for many, although some customers claimed they encountered no problems. My own experience involved a slight delay, with orders opening about 30 minutes late. After clicking the pre-order button, I was greeted with the disappointing news that the console was already sold out. With a few more refresh attempts, I found myself in a virtual queue at Best Buy, which plans to host a midnight launch event for the Switch 2, making it a preferred choice for many fans.

Walmart’s performance was hit or miss, according to reports circulating online. Some had a smooth experience pre-ordering, while others were caught in a web of technical difficulties. Personally, I found myself languishing in Walmart’s digital waiting room for what felt like an eternity, about 40 minutes to be precise.

If you missed out on the initial pre-order frenzy, don’t lose hope yet. GameStop is set to open its pre-orders at 11am ET, with some eager fans already forming lines at local stores. So, if you’re banking on GameStop, it might be worth driving by to check out the situation at your nearest location.