Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Chaotic

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As I begin drafting this piece, it’s 11:30 PM CT—far past my bedtime on a work night—and I’m doing what feels like everyone else on Earth (and possibly a few neighboring planets) is also doing: trying to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2.

Pre-orders officially went live at 9 PM PT / 12 AM ET across three major retailers: Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. At least, that was the plan. The actual rollout has been anything but smooth. Alongside many members of the IGN team, I’ve been locked in a digital battle for the console, only to encounter inconsistent results and widespread frustration. Social media is flooded with similar reports, making one thing clear: getting a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch isn’t going to be easy.

Walmart launched with a digital queue system almost immediately after pre-orders opened. While some users successfully made it through and completed their purchases, others remain stuck on an ambiguous “stay in line” screen with no estimated wait time or guarantee of success. Even those who eventually reached the purchase confirmation page have reported unexpected error messages or confusing glitches mid-process.

At first glance, Target seemed more promising—no queue, and some fans were able to add the Switch 2 to their carts. But shortly after, issues began popping up. Users encountered error screens during checkout, and even those who thought they had successfully ordered received sudden cancellation emails moments later. Some shoppers reported the item being removed from their cart without warning, forcing them to restart the process entirely.

The Nintendo Switch 2 sold out instantly at Target. This is unreal bro. I refreshed right when it hit 12 am. Actually unreal pic.twitter.com/LAQ4lC03qw

— Kenj (@Kenjdx) April 24, 2025

Best Buy didn't fare much better. Their pre-orders were delayed by about 30 minutes before launching into a slow-moving digital queue. While a few customers are finally receiving purchase confirmations, many others are still waiting, encountering the same frustrating errors and restarts as the other platforms. Additionally, some users have reported unexpected fraud alerts from banks or payment failures, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already stressful experience.

2 minutes....
byu/trashpandacoot1 inSwitch

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While writing this update, both Target and Walmart appear to have completely sold out. Best Buy continues to let people in slowly, though many—including myself—are still stuck in an endless queue after more than an hour. Others have received vague email notifications stating order cancellations or indefinite delays, with no option to reorder or track progress.

Target cancelled my order 10 minutes after placing
byu/syde1020 inSwitch

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In the coming hours, we may see more successful orders trickle in. There’s still a chance to pre-order via GameStop tomorrow (technically today) at 11:00 AM ET, both online and in-store. Additional opportunities may come from other retailers in the future. A small number of Nintendo account holders may also receive exclusive direct pre-order invites from Nintendo in May, although there’s no guarantee, and supply remains limited—especially in Japan, where demand reportedly far exceeds available stock.

Bots are the worst
byu/CANfilms inSwitch

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For outsiders, this chaos might seem overblown. But for dedicated Nintendo fans, it’s just the latest in a string of frustrations surrounding the Switch 2 rollout. From confusing pricing strategies to unclear policies around physical and digital games, Nintendo hasn’t exactly made things easy for consumers. Add to that the recent decision to raise accessory prices due to tariffs—while keeping the console price unchanged—it’s no wonder so many feel left in the dark.

If you’re eager to play Mario Kart World or any other launch title, this is the reality of pre-ordering a hotly anticipated console in 2025. For those still trying to secure a unit, here's how to proceed:

How to Pre-Order the Nintendo Switch 2: A Quick Guide

1. Check Retailer Sites Regularly: Visit Walmart, Best Buy, and Target frequently. New stock drops can happen unexpectedly.
2. Use Multiple Devices and Browsers: Increase your chances by running multiple tabs or devices simultaneously.
3. Prepare Your Payment Info in Advance: Save your billing and shipping details to speed up the checkout process.
4. Try In-Store Options if Available: GameStop and other retailers may offer in-store pre-orders the next day.
5. Stay Alert for Official Nintendo Invites: If you're selected, you’ll receive a direct link to purchase directly from Nintendo.
6. Avoid Bot Detection Flags: Make sure your browser cache is cleared and avoid tools that trigger anti-bot systems.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after consoles of the generation—but getting your hands on one is proving to be its own kind of challenge.

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