Nintendo Switch 2 debut in the US fails: players report massive cancellations of pre-orders for the console

On 5 June, the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 console will be launched on the market. However, instead of joyful anticipation, thousands of fans faced a real disappointment: major retailers in the US have already started contacting customers to inform them about the cancellation of pre-orders just a few days before the console's official release.

Here's What We Know

Dozens of posts have appeared on social media from disgruntled customers of Walmart, Target, and GameStop complaining about the cancellation of their pre-orders, sometimes without warning. Some customers report being told that the retailers have "run out of stock", while others have reported problems with payment processing.

One Walmart customer service representative reportedly told one customer: "I regret to inform you that your order has been cancelled due to high volume orders." This suggests that demand far exceeded supply, or that there were logistical and distribution issues.

"We have identified a small group of customers whose orders were unfortunately affected by a system error," Target said in a press statement. "We understand how exciting the launch of this new product is and are working to ensure these customers are satisfied." Although Target acknowledges the problem, it does not ease the frustration of those who have been waiting for their console for months.

The news comes just days after UK gaming retailer GAME also released a statement admitting that it had to cancel "some" Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders last week. The Sports Direct-owned company did not explain why the orders had to be cancelled or how many orders were affected, but apologised in a statement posted on its website and social media, blocking the possibility of replies. This indicates that the problem is global in nature and may be related to production or logistical difficulties within Nintendo itself.

We can only hope that Nintendo and its partners can quickly resolve these issues and ensure that the console is available to everyone.

Source: @MechaPaddington