GameStop’s Nintendo Switch 2 Preorder Fumble: What You Need to Know About Day One Chaos!

What a ride it has been for Nintendo fans! On April 24, many eager gamers hoped to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 through GameStop. However, when preorders went live at 11 a.m. ET, chaos ensued. The website and app quickly crashed under the weight of eager shoppers.

Many users, including some from our team, faced a frustrating error message — a Cloudflare 502 indicating a bad gateway. For those who managed to get the page open, it showed the console as “Not Available.” What a disappointment!

Interestingly, there were moments when the site briefly displayed a buy option. I personally saw a red box that allowed me to complete an order. Despite receiving an order number, I didn’t get a confirmation email, and my account showed no record of the order. Many others faced similar issues. GameStop reassured us that confirmations would be sent shortly, and I eventually received mine.

“We expect Switch 2 online pre-orders to be caught up within the hour. If you didn’t get a confirmation email, it should be arriving shortly. Thanks for hanging in there—we’re almost back on track.”

— GameStop Help, April 24, 2025

I reached out to GameStop for updates, but they are currently overwhelmed with inquiries. It seems that online stock has run out at major retailers — a situation familiar to anyone who’s tried to buy hot new tech. The GameStop app also faced issues, displaying a note saying “Activity Paused” for hours before functioning again.

Now, there’s a glimmer of hope for those still wishing to grab a Switch 2: in-store preorders. However, brace yourself — reports suggest long lines at GameStop locations across the country. Some stores may have a few dozen units available, while others are completely sold out. It might be worth calling ahead to avoid disappointment.

This launch is proving to be one of the most significant in gaming history. In Japan, Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, even had to apologize after preorder numbers overwhelmed stock availability. Those who ordered straight from Nintendo can expect updates on their orders, but the company is warning that delivery by the target date of June 5 isn’t guaranteed. This is a common trend in tech launches, where hype often outstrips supply.

As of now, retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target show the Nintendo Switch 2 as sold out. If you’re among those still looking to purchase, it might be wise to be patient. Waiting a bit can also give you time to read some reviews and decide if this new console truly fits your gaming needs.

A little update for you: This situation is still changing, and we’ll keep you posted as new details come in.

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Nintendo,Nintendo Switch 2