GameStop’s U.S. Switch 2 preorder opening on April 24, 2025 drew two distinct complaints: technical trouble with online orders amid heavy demand, and customer allegations that some stores required add-ons to preorder. The available reporting documents a prominent allegation at one Astoria, New York, store—not a company-wide forced-bundle policy.
What went wrong with GameStop’s online preorders?
GameStop scheduled online preorders for 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025. GameSpot reported technical issues when orders opened. The coverage did not quantify how many customers were affected or establish a specific cause, so it supports describing the launch as troubled, not assigning a confirmed error rate or technical explanation. GameSpot’s April 29 report
| # | 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 timing came during a busy preorder day. Axios reported that Target, Walmart, and Best Buy had opened preorders around midnight and quickly sold out; the Switch 2 was highly anticipated and expected to be in short supply. A sold-out window at those retailers is evidence of demand, but it is not the same issue as technical errors at GameStop. Axios’s April 24 coverage
Did GameStop force customers to buy Switch 2 bundles?
GameSpot reported customer and Twitch streamer Elea Tsentzelis’s account of her attempt to preorder at GameStop’s Astoria, New York, store. According to the report, video of the transaction showed an employee asking for a bundle with a minimum number of items. GameStop support asked customers who had been turned away at that location to contact the company and said it was “actively investigating.”
#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
That account is location-specific. GameSpot also reported that some customers said they could preorder a console by itself at other stores, while others described similar upselling or pressure to buy a membership. These are customer accounts, not a survey establishing how often the practice occurred. The reporting does not show that GameStop had a company-wide rule requiring add-ons.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When were preorders, and what were the launch prices?
For context, GameStop’s online preorder start was scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on April 24, 2025; in-store preorders began when stores opened. Nintendo’s announced U.S. launch date was June 5, 2025. Axios reported these U.S. launch prices:
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.***
| Product | U.S. launch price reported by Axios |
|---|---|
| Switch 2 console | $449.99 |
| Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle | $499.99 |
| Mario Kart World | $79.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | $69.99 |
These are launch-period prices reported in Axios’s April 24, 2025 coverage, not a statement of current prices or stock.
Quick Recap
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.
How to interpret the complaints
- Online: GameSpot reported technical problems as GameStop orders opened, but no reliable affected-customer count or confirmed cause.
- In stores: The best-documented add-on allegation concerned the Astoria location; other reports were individual customer accounts.
- Across retailers: Other major retailers’ quick sellouts point to high demand and scarce supply, not proof of the same technical or in-store problems at GameStop.
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.
