As the clock struck midnight on a recent Thursday, eager gamers worldwide awaited the chance to preorder Nintendo’s highly anticipated next-generation console, the Switch 2. The excitement was palpable, with thousands of consumers leaping online in an attempt to secure one of these coveted gaming systems before they sold out. Unfortunately, for many, the experience turned into a chaotic and frustrating spectacle.
While some lucky gamers managed to snag a preorder, countless others faced lengthy wait times, error messages, and disappearing shopping carts as they battled for their place in line. Many took to social media to share their struggles, with screenshots of empty carts and cancelled orders flooding platforms like Twitter. Nintendo itself acknowledged the “very high demand” in an update, urging those looking to secure a Switch 2 on launch day (June 5) to visit participating retailers.
Retailers Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop all experienced sold-out preorders shortly after their midnight or early morning launches, leaving many hopeful buyers disappointed. Even when listings briefly became available again, some customers reported delays with confirmation emails, further exacerbating the frustration.
GameStop, in particular, faced site issues due to “overwhelming demand,” prompting it to sell out its online preorders and later announcing that it would continue to process bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory. Fortunately, those willing to visit physical stores could still secure a preorder.
The immense demand for the Switch 2 is hardly surprising, given its highly anticipated features like an interactive chat, larger screen, and new games. However, the console’s launch comes at a time of uncertainty for the industry, with new tariffs and retaliatory measures affecting global supply chains, including those in the electronics sector. The Switch 2’s base price of $449.99 is significantly higher than its predecessor, which may contribute to the sticker shock for some consumers.
Despite these challenges, Nintendo remains confident in the Switch 2’s potential to revitalize demand for their gaming consoles, aiming to sell 11 million Switch units this fiscal year. As the console’s release date draws near, it remains to be seen whether supply chain issues and high prices will impact its adoption rate. One thing is certain, however: the enthusiasm surrounding the Switch 2 has been electric, even if the preorder process left some gamers feeling burned.
Sourced from https://apnews.com/