How I Scored My Switch 2 Preorder: The Exciting Experience of Lining Up at GameStop

The Switch 2 is generating a lot of excitement, and it’s selling out everywhere online. But some people, including myself, chose a more traditional route: preordering in-store at GameStop.

GameStop started in-person preorders for the Switch 2, including the popular Mario Kart World bundle, on April 24. Nowadays, most people do their shopping online. Remember when we used to line up for video game releases? Those days seemed to be fading, yet for many, showing up in person was the easiest way to secure a console.

I missed the frantic start of online preorders at major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. With GameStop’s preorder time set for 11 AM ET, I thought I’d have better luck there. Sadly, their online release was just as chaotic as others. But then I came across a post from Jason Schreier of Bloomberg on Bluesky. He mentioned seeing about 40 people in line for 80 Switch 2 units, which felt like better odds than the online scramble.

So, I hopped in the car with my dog, Bu, and raced to my local GameStop in Akron, Ohio, just 15 minutes away. When I arrived, a crowd awaited, some having camped out for days.

"It’s been unbelievably busy," one GameStop employee told me. He noted that while a few people were camped out, most just arrived a few hours before the store opened. Most people lined up owned a regular Switch and were eager for the upgrade. “We’ve been waiting for a Switch 2 for seven years,” one woman said excitedly. Others echoed her enthusiasm, insisting they needed an upgrade.

Despite high prices for the new console, most people seemed unfazed. One man argued that given inflation and the economy, the pricing felt reasonable. Comparatively, the OLED Switch launched at $350, making the Switch 2’s price increase of $100 over nearly a decade feel justifiable. Several people expressed frustration over rising game prices, yet many were willing to pay because, after all, it’s Nintendo. One mother waiting with her family summed it up: “I think it’s worth it.”

When I asked what games they were eager to play with the Switch 2, Mario Kart World was the unanimous favorite. Everyone hoped to grab a $30 discount bundle. GameStop announced they had 44 bundles and 19 regular consoles available, but more should come when the console officially launches on June 5. I was among the lucky ones to get a Mario Kart bundle, which ultimately turned out to be a great decision.

Waiting at GameStop might seem old-fashioned, but sometimes, the classic methods beat the rush of online orders. It felt good to connect with fellow gamers and experience that shared excitement in person.

As gaming trends shift with technology, these moments of community remind us how meaningful in-person experiences can still be in our fast-paced world. For more details about the console and its bundles, check out the full coverage on The Verge.

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