If you were among the thousands (or maybe millions) of fans hoping to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch, you probably experienced the same frustration many others did last night: endless queues, error messages, and even last-minute order cancellations. What should have been an exciting kickoff for Nintendo’s next-gen console turned into a digital disaster, with buyers scrambling to claim a console before stock vanished within minutes.
Pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 officially went live at midnight Eastern Time (9 PM PT) at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. But from the moment the listings were supposed to go live, things started to unravel — fast.
Digital Queues and Sudden Crashes
At Walmart, hopeful customers were funneled into a virtual line almost instantly. Some made it through and managed to snag a console. Others, however, were left staring at an endless “stay in line” screen, uncertain whether they were inching closer to success or simply wasting their time. For many, the process ended in frustration, glitches, and even blank error messages after reaching the final checkout step.
Target took a different approach — no queue at all — which initially seemed to make for a smoother experience. That illusion didn’t last long. Buyers began reporting that even after successfully placing an order and receiving confirmation, their transactions were suddenly canceled. Others saw the Nintendo Switch 2 disappear from their carts mid-checkout. Needless to say, tensions ran high.
Best Buy Was Late to the Party
Best Buy, meanwhile, didn’t even get its act together on time. The listing page stubbornly read “Coming Soon” well past midnight before the store finally launched its own queue system. While a lucky few managed to place their orders, many were stuck refreshing the page or stuck in line indefinitely. Several buyers also reported encountering fraud alerts from their banks, adding yet another layer of complication to an already chaotic night.
By the time most people were settling into bed, both Walmart and Target were sold out. Best Buy was still processing orders, albeit inconsistently, with many customers unsure if their purchases were even going through. Some received email confirmations, only to later be informed their order was delayed or canceled without a clear explanation.
Why the Confusion?
Nintendo fans are used to a certain level of hype when a new console is announced, but this rollout feels particularly messy. Even before pre-orders opened, confusion had been brewing around the Switch 2. The price tag — especially when factoring in accessories and launch titles — left many fans in sticker shock. Nintendo paused pre-orders temporarily earlier this month, citing tariff-related concerns in the U.S., only to reopen them with no change in the console’s pricing structure. Accessories, on the other hand, did see adjustments — adding even more confusion about what was included and what would need to be bought separately.
Adding to the frustration is the lack of clarity from Nintendo regarding software formats, pricing, and compatibility. With many fans unsure about what they’re getting or how much they’ll end up paying, the actual process of trying to order the console became just another pain point.
What’s Next?
For those who missed out, there are still options on the horizon. GameStop is expected to open pre-orders both online and in-store at 11 AM ET today. And some lucky Nintendo account holders may receive direct pre-order invites from Nintendo in May. But those invites aren’t guaranteed — and Nintendo has already acknowledged that demand in Japan alone is far exceeding their projected supply.
So, if you’re hoping to play Mario Kart World or other Switch 2 exclusives on day one, the pre-order struggle is likely far from over. The reality is clear: the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be incredibly hard to get for a while. And unless Nintendo drastically ramps up supply — or finds a way to streamline their launch process — this bumpy road to next-gen gaming is just getting started.