The good news is Switch Pre-orders have gone live at US retailers, the bad news is they’ve almost immediately sold out

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were launched in the United States last night, and predictably, the console quickly sold out as eager customers rushed to various retailers to secure their own. Some were successful in placing an order, guaranteeing themselves access to games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. However, many others were left empty-handed, without a Switch.

This surge in pre-order attempts caused technical difficulties for several retailers, with reports of Switch 2 units getting stuck in customers’ carts and being unable to be purchased. Issues such as long wait times at Walmart, only to find the console sold out once reaching the checkout, and Best Buy delaying the opening of Switch 2 pre-orders added to the chaos of a frantic night of online shopping.

Even Geoff Keighly, the creator and host of Summer Game Fest and The Game Awards, faced challenges amidst the frenzy. He shared his own struggle on Twitter, saying: “System was in my cart, then it wasn’t, then it was, wouldn’t let me pay, etc.” If someone like Geoff Keighly encounters difficulties securing a pre-order, what chance does the average person have? It’s a tough situation out there.

There has been a significant level of anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 ever since its reveal showcase provided a glimpse of the console. Our own impressions were highly positive, placing us among those eagerly awaiting its release. Pre-orders for US customers were delayed due to US tariffs and economic uncertainties, leaving Americans to watch from a distance as Canadian and European orders flooded in.

Were you able to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 for yourself? Share your experience with us below!