Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders: A Chaotic Launch

As I write this at 11:30pm CT, well past my usual bedtime on a work night, I'm attempting to pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2, joining countless others across the globe in a frenzied rush. Pre-orders were scheduled to begin at 9pm PT/12am ET across three major retailers: Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. However, the rollout has been anything but smooth, resulting in a mix of frustration, disappointment, and occasional success for the IGN staff and social media users alike.

At Walmart, eager customers were quickly placed in a digital queue, which moved forward for some, leading to successful purchases. Yet, many remain stuck on a "stay in line" screen, with no clear timeline for completion. Those who managed to reach the purchase stage encountered various error messages, further complicating the process.

Target initially seemed more promising without a queue, but soon, reports surfaced of error screens disrupting the buying process. Some believed they had secured a Switch 2 only to receive cancellation emails shortly after, while others found the console mysteriously removed from their carts mid-purchase.

The Nintendo Switch 2 sold out instantly at Target. This is unreal bro. I refreshed on the second it turned 12 am. Actually unreal pic.twitter.com/LAQ4lC03qw

— Kenj (@Kenjdx) April 24, 2025

Best Buy's pre-orders were delayed, showing a "Coming Soon" message for half an hour before gradually allowing customers into a queue. Some have received purchase confirmations, but many are still grappling with errors and the need to restart. Additionally, some faced fraud alerts and other financial issues, preventing them from completing their orders.

2 minutes....
byu/trashpandacoot1 inSwitch

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }By the time I finished this piece, both Target and Walmart had sold out, while Best Buy's queue continues to move slowly, with some receiving cancellation or delay notices without rescheduling options.

Target cancelled my order 10 minutes after placing
byu/syde1020 inSwitch

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }As the night progresses, more successes are expected, and another chance to pre-order will be available at GameStop starting at 11:00am ET today, both in-store and online. Additionally, some Nintendo account holders might receive an invitation to pre-order directly from Nintendo in May, although this is not guaranteed due to high demand, especially in Japan.

Bots are the worst
byu/CANfilms inSwitch

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }For those less invested in Nintendo, the chaos might seem trivial, but for dedicated fans, it's the latest in a series of frustrating events. The initial reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was exciting, yet the pricing of the system and accessories, coupled with a pause in pre-orders due to U.S. tariffs and subsequent resumption without price adjustments, has left many bewildered. Moreover, Nintendo's unclear plans for software pricing, formats, and content have added to the confusion, leaving fans unsure about costs and what they're buying. The uncertainty about securing a system at launch, amid potential future price increases and supply issues, only heightens the frustration.

Yet, for those eager to play Mario Kart World at launch, this is the current reality. Here's how to navigate the pre-order process if you're still trying.