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What happened on GameStop’s first preorder day?
Nintendo announced on April 18, 2025, that U.S. retailer preorders would begin April 24. GameStop’s online offering went live at 11 a.m. ET that day. The Associated Press reported that the listing appeared unavailable within minutes and that some customers experienced delays in receiving confirmation. GameStop Help attributed the disruption to “overwhelming demand” causing site issues. GameStop later said online preorders had sold out and that it would keep canceling bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory. AP’s April 24 report also said in-store preorders remained available that Thursday afternoon, a separate status from the online listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System with Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 Bundle | $568.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle with Bonus HDMI Cable & Screen Cleaning Cloth | $619.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The demand pressure was not unique to GameStop: AP reported that Best Buy and Target listings also became unavailable early that Thursday. The reporting does not provide a reliable store-by-store inventory count or total preorder capacity.
Did GameStop require customers to buy bundles?
GameSpot reported on April 29 that a customer described being told at a GameStop in Astoria, New York, to add products to a Switch 2 preorder, including a minimum number of items. The report included the customer’s account and video. This was an allegation about one location, not evidence that GameStop imposed a chain-wide rule. GameSpot said many customers at other locations reported being able to preorder the console alone. GameSpot’s April 29 report quoted GameStop’s support account as saying it was “actively investigating” and asking customers turned away at the Astoria store to send a direct message so it could “make it right.” The report did not establish the investigation’s outcome or whether customers were compensated.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
How online and in-store preorders differed
| Route | What was reported on April 24 | What the reporting does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| GameStop online | The listing went live at 11 a.m. ET, appeared unavailable within minutes, and some customers reported confirmation delays. GameStop later said online preorders had sold out. | Total online inventory, individual order outcomes, or whether a particular customer ultimately secured a reservation. |
| GameStop stores | AP reported that in-store preorders remained available Thursday afternoon. GameSpot later described an alleged bundle requirement at the Astoria, New York, location. | Reliable stock levels by store, a chain-wide bundle policy, or the outcome of GameStop’s investigation into Astoria. |
A website listing becoming unavailable did not mean every physical store had run out, and a report about one store does not establish the terms offered at every location.
What were the Switch 2 launch prices?
Nintendo’s April 18, 2025, U.S. launch-period suggested retail prices were $449.99 for the console and $499.99 for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle. These are historical MSRP figures, not a check of current retailer prices or availability. Nintendo announced a June 5, 2025 release date and said the Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, while noting that some titles may not be supported or fully compatible. Nintendo’s April 18 announcement has the launch details.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Nintendo’s same-day MSRP list also gave these launch-period prices:
| Game or accessory | Nintendo’s U.S. MSRP, April 18, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | $79.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | $69.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | $84.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Pair | $94.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip | $39.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Strap | $13.99 |
| Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set | $24.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Camera | $54.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set | $119.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector | $39.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case | $84.99 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter | $34.99 |
| Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB for Nintendo Switch 2) | $59.99 |
These are Nintendo’s published U.S. launch-period suggested prices dated April 18, 2025; they should not be read as live offers. Nintendo’s announcement lists the console, bundle, games, and accessories.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
What happened after launch?
Nintendo said Switch 2 sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide in the four days after its June 5, 2025 launch, calling it the company’s fastest-selling game system ever. That is Nintendo’s global sales figure; it does not measure GameStop preorder volume or Astoria store inventory. Nintendo announced the figure on June 11, 2025.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
