GameStop’s April 24, 2025 Nintendo Switch 2 preorder launch had two distinct problems: heavy demand and site issues disrupted online orders, while a separate report days later described an allegation that one New York store required customers to add products to a preorder. The Astoria allegation was under investigation, but the available reporting does not establish a chain-wide bundle policy or a final finding.
What happened when GameStop preorders opened?
Nintendo said U.S. retail preorders would begin April 24, 2025. GameStop’s online offering went live at 11 a.m. ET that day. The Associated Press reported that it appeared unavailable within minutes and that some customers experienced delays receiving confirmation. GameStop Help attributed the site problems to “overwhelming demand.” GameStop later said online preorders had sold out and that it would continue canceling bot and duplicate orders in an effort to reopen inventory. (Associated Press, April 24, 2025)
| # | 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 website issue did not mean every GameStop preorder route was closed: AP reported that in-store preorders remained available Thursday afternoon. That report does not establish how much stock individual stores had or how long it lasted. Demand was strong elsewhere, too; AP reported that Best Buy and Target listings also became unavailable early that day.
Did GameStop require customers to buy bundles?
A separate GameSpot report published April 29 described a customer’s account and video from a GameStop in Astoria, New York. The customer alleged that staff required shoppers to add a minimum number of products to preorder the console. The report mentioned items including a Pro Controller, microSD card and games in the customer’s described transaction; it does not establish that these items were mandatory at other stores. (GameSpot, April 29, 2025)
#1 Best Overall
- 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
GameStop’s support account said it was “actively investigating” the Astoria matter and asked customers turned away at that location to contact the company by direct message so it could “make it right.” The report did not provide a final investigation outcome or establish that customers were compensated. It also noted that many customers at other locations reported no trouble preordering the console alone. The evidence supports describing a specific allegation at one store—not a company-wide policy.
Online and in-store preorders were different situations
| Route | What was reported | What the reporting does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| GameStop website | Launched at 11 a.m. ET on April 24; the listing appeared unavailable within minutes, some confirmations were delayed, and GameStop later said online orders had sold out. AP reported the company was canceling bot and duplicate orders to reopen inventory. | Total online capacity, individual customers’ final order status, or a reliable store-by-store inventory picture. |
| GameStop physical stores | AP reported in-store preorders remained available Thursday afternoon. GameSpot later described an alleged forced add-on at the Astoria, New York, location. | That all stores had stock, that the Astoria account represented a chain-wide practice, or the outcome of GameStop’s investigation. |
For a customer trying to understand a failed order, the key distinction is whether the problem involved the website’s sold-out listing or a particular store’s reported terms. The available accounts do not provide a way to infer inventory or staff practices at every location from either incident.
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.***
What were the Switch 2 launch prices and release date?
Nintendo announced on April 18, 2025 that the system would launch June 5, 2025. Its launch-period suggested retail prices for the U.S. were $449.99 for the console and $499.99 for the console bundled with Mario Kart World. These are historical launch MSRP figures, not verified current prices. (Nintendo, April 18, 2025)
Nintendo’s same April 18 announcement listed these U.S. launch-period MSRPs for selected 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.
| Item | Launch-period MSRP |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Every amount in this table is Nintendo’s U.S. launch-period MSRP announced April 18, 2025, not a live retailer price check. Nintendo also said Switch 2 can play compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, while cautioning that some games may not be supported or fully compatible. (Nintendo, April 18, 2025)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened after launch?
Nintendo reported that 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 a Nintendo-reported global sales figure; it does not measure GameStop preorder volume or stock at the Astoria store. (Nintendo, 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.
