Nintendo Switch 2 preorders have finally kicked off in the US, but the launch has been plagued by technical issues and errors, leaving many customers frustrated. The preorders, which were initially delayed due to tariff concerns, were supposed to start on April 9th but were eventually rescheduled for April 24th.
According to reports, some customers were able to successfully place their preorders through Target's app, but many others encountered errors and issues during the checkout process. The Verge's own staffers experienced difficulties, with some getting stuck on the Apple Pay checkout screen and being asked to update their address repeatedly. Walmart's website, on the other hand, displayed a vague queue message, stating that the deal was "almost gone."
Best Buy, which had promised to launch preorders at 12AM ET, still shows a "coming soon" button on the Switch 2 and Mario Kart World bundle pack, suggesting that their preorders have not gone live yet. Deals hunter Wario64 took to X to reassure customers that it's not too late to place their preorders, with Target and Walmart still having units available.
This messy start to the preorder process comes on the heels of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa's supply warning in Japan, which raised concerns about the console's availability. The Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5th, with a starting price of $449.99 in the US. Accessories, however, have seen a price hike.
The Switch 2 preorder issues are a disappointment for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the console's release. The delay in preorders had already caused frustration, and these technical issues will only add to the frustration. It remains to be seen how Nintendo will address these issues and ensure a smoother preorder process for customers.
In the meantime, customers can try their luck at preordering the Switch 2 through various retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. For those who are having trouble, it may be worth trying different retailers or waiting for the issues to be resolved.
The Switch 2's launch is highly anticipated, and Nintendo will need to address these preorder issues quickly to avoid damaging the console's reputation. With the console's release date fast approaching, Nintendo will need to ensure that customers can get their hands on the Switch 2 without any further hiccups.