Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order chaos crash Target, Walmart sites

Nintendo Switch 2 just opened for pre-orders, and social media users are documenting the chaos.

“Finally get my Switch 2 pre-order through after 30 minutes. Immediately gets cancelled,” says X user James to his 62,000 followers.

>finally get my switch 2 pre order through after 30 minutes
>immediately gets cancelled pic.twitter.com/tGuW9EQjKx

undefined James (@MKUltraMoney) April 24, 2025

And James isn’t alone. Floods of X users are seemingly spamming the platform with complaints regarding their Switch 2 orders. Another user posted, “retweet if this was you trying to get a Switch 2.”

retweet if this was you trying to get a Switch 2 pic.twitter.com/EkFfkkV2Hm

undefined Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) April 24, 2025

Many others joked that users would sit at their keyboard, refreshing various retailers' websites, claiming to sell the Switch 2.

“Couldn't get the Switch 2 online, so I ordered a few things to make sure I got it in person. Can’t wait for June 5th,” another user joked.

Couldn't get the Switch 2 online so I ordered a few things to make sure I got it in person.

Can't wait for June 5th! pic.twitter.com/dL5xVtPpsD

undefined StayFun 📷 (@YoStayFun) April 24, 2025

The images suggest that the user will steal from a store with the Switch 2 or will need to battle other buyers planning to get their hands on the console in-store.

Other users seem to have confirmation that their Switch 2 is ordered on the site, yet they haven’t received a confirmation email, leaving them stressed beyond words.

When Target website confirms your Nintendo Switch 2 preorder but still hasn’t sent you a confirmation email. pic.twitter.com/NPGcwBIdNl

undefined Austin (@AustinPlanet) April 24, 2025

Overall, the pre-order experience seemed to many like a complete waste of time. Orders were cancelled, and many consoles sold out in moments, leaving social media users furious.

Media reports that the influx of users accessing Target, Walmart, and other retailers' websites caused many of them to crash, disrupting the pre-order and leaving many gamers without consoles.

But this isn’t only happening in the United States. Nintendo issued a statement via X saying that over 2.2 million had applied for the lottery sale of the Switch 2 in Japan alone.

古川です。みなさまのお手元に「Nintendo Switch 2」をお届けすべく、事前に多くの部材を調達し、生産を進めてきました。4月2日には「Nintendo Switch…

undefined 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) April 23, 2025

The Nintendo Switch 2 was announced in January 2025 and is said to be released in stores on June 5th, 2025. Its retail price is said to start at $499.99.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will feature exclusive games, such as new versions of familiar games like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong.