Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Retailers Face High Demand During Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Sale
Major U.S. retailers experienced difficulties managing high traffic volumes as consumers rushed online last night to pre-order the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The initial launch date was previously adjusted due to tariffs implemented during the Trump administration. Gamers encountered various technical issues on the websites of Target, Walmart, and Best Buy as they attempted to purchase the highly sought-after Japanese gaming console immediately after its midnight release.
Website Outages Reported
Downdetector, a platform that tracks online service disruptions, indicated a surge of over 2,520 complaints from Target customers at the commencement of the pre-sale. Throughout the evening, Best Buy also saw a steady increase in reported problems starting around 9 p.m., with issues subsiding around 1 a.m.
- Target: Over 2,520 complaints reported at the start of the pre-sale.
- Best Buy: Issues peaked between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.
- Walmart: Initial problems reported around 8 p.m., with fewer incidents after 10 p.m.
Customer Frustration Mounts
As Nintendo enthusiasts flooded retail websites to try and secure the new console, some users reported that the Best Buy website indicated that pre-orders were not yet available. This caused widespread frustration, leading many to express their dissatisfaction on social media platforms.
Social Media Reactions
Numerous users took to social media to voice their disappointment:
- One user questioned, “Which Best Buy employee forgot to change the button for the pre orders for Switch 2?”
- Another complained, “Best Buy didn’t open their preorders for the Switch 2 on time… and they instead waited until I was away for my computer to open them, so now I’m stuck in a long line.”
- A third user added, “Best Buy is crashing hard. Hopefully people get their Switch 2s.”
Another user lamented, “So Best Buy, after telling me not to leave the page, just closed the ‘you’re in line’ box without letting me do anything.” One simply stated: “Best buy is a mess.”
Success Stories Amidst the Chaos
Despite the difficulties, some consumers successfully secured their pre-orders.
- “I GOT ONE YESSSS! Nintendo Switch 2 Here we go baby!” one person exclaimed.
- Another wrote, “I managed to get one through Best Buy, hopefully they don’t cancel my order.”
- “Best Buy never failed me,” rejoiced another satisfied customer.
Widespread Demand Overwhelms Retailers
Many individuals were not as fortunate, including one person who reported failing to secure a console through Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. In their post they shared screenshots of each website failing to process the order.
Nintendo Switch 2 Features and Launch Details
The new Nintendo Switch 2 features an enhanced 7.9-inch screen, elevated resolution, a chat feature for communicating with friends, and redesigned Joy-Con controllers for easier attachment and detachment, addressing common issues with previous models.
Tariffs and Launch Delay
The console’s initial launch date of April 9 was postponed following the announcement of trade tariffs by then President Donald Trump.
“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 stated at the time. “Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.”
Despite the tax pressures, the Japanese gaming company confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 would maintain its $449.99 price point.
Company Absorbs Additional Costs
To maintain the original price, Nintendo will absorb millions in previously unforeseen costs. Most Switch consoles are manufactured in Vietnam and China, both of which were impacted by tariffs during the Trump administration.