When the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale launched at midnight, it didn’t take long for things to go south.
Despite the hype, America’s biggest retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, found themselves overwhelmed as eager customers flooded their websites.
The pre-sale, which had already been delayed due to tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency, hit a snag once again as shoppers scrambled to secure their new consoles.
Technical Glitches and Frustrated Shoppers
As soon as the clock struck midnight, Target’s website crashed, and shoppers found themselves unable to complete their purchases.
Downdetector recorded over 2,200 complaints in just a short period of time. But Target wasn’t the only retailer experiencing issues.
Best Buy also encountered major problems, with customers unable to access the pre-order page until much later.
Downdetector reported that the trouble began at 9 p.m. and intensified at midnight, matching the chaos seen on Target’s site.
Walmart shoppers experienced similar issues. Most of the problems were reported around 9 p.m., with a smaller surge of complaints around midnight.
As Nintendo fans rushed to secure their orders, many were met with the frustrating message that the Switch 2 wasn’t available for pre-order yet, despite all signs pointing to a midnight launch.
Social Media Erupts as Shoppers Vent Their Frustration
With frustration mounting, social media became a venting ground for many upset customers.
One frustrated shopper asked, “Which Best Buy employee forgot to change the button for the pre-orders for Switch 2?” Others shared their displeasure, with one person lamenting that Best Buy delayed the opening of pre-orders just long enough for them to step away from their computer, leaving them stuck in a long line.
Another shopper shared their annoyance when Best Buy’s system “closed the ‘you’re in line’ box without letting me do anything,” while others simply called out, “Best Buy is a mess.”
The retail giant didn’t escape criticism, even as some users celebrated their successful orders.
One user couldn’t contain their excitement, exclaiming, “I GOT ONE YESSSS! Nintendo Switch 2 Here we go baby!”
Despite the glitches, a few lucky shoppers were able to secure their orders.
One user celebrated with relief, saying, “Best Buy never failed me.” However, not everyone was so fortunate.
One man shared his frustration after trying all three major retailers and failing to get his hands on the console.
He posted, “My Nintendo Switch 2 shopping experience lol. Thanks, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart,” alongside screenshots of his failed attempts.
The New Nintendo Switch 2: What’s All the Hype About?
The Nintendo Switch 2 promises a major upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a larger 7.9-inch screen, a higher resolution, and new features like a chat option for friends and redesigned Joy-Con controllers that are easier to attach and detach.
Gamers are excited about the improvements, especially the Joy-Con redesign, which eliminates the struggle of wresting them out of the console and dealing with faulty buttons.
The Switch 2 had originally been set to launch on April 9, but Nintendo postponed the release after President Trump announced plans to impose trade tariffs on several countries.
Nintendo explained the delay, saying, “Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025, in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”
Nintendo assured fans that the new release date would still be June 5, 2025, and they confirmed that the $449.99 price tag for the Switch 2 would remain the same despite the tariffs.
To keep the price steady, Nintendo will absorb the extra costs caused by the tariffs, which are affecting production in Vietnam and China—two countries heavily impacted by the “reciprocal” tariffs from the Trump administration.
A Delayed Launch, But Still Anticipated
Despite the delays and the frustrations surrounding the pre-sale launch, fans are eagerly awaiting the official release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo’s commitment to keeping the price unchanged despite the tariffs is sure to be appreciated by fans, but it’s clear that retailers need to work out their website issues ahead of the console’s full launch in June.
With all eyes on June 5, gamers are hoping for a smoother shopping experience when the time finally comes to get their hands on the hotly anticipated console.