GameStop is investigating stores suspected of employing underhanded methods to maximize profits from customers trying to reserve the Nintendo Switch 2 in advance. The anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025 has been highly anticipated as one of the year’s major hardware launches. With its high demand, it’s expected to be a popular item this summer, particularly for those eager to secure one on launch day. When pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 became available, several retailers faced website crashes or technical issues, making it challenging for customers to get their hands on one. This turn of events was frustrating for many and caused additional stress for those who stayed up late in an attempt to reserve one.
In some instances, retailers over-sold their Nintendo Switch 2 stock, causing pre-orders to be canceled, leaving disappointed gamers. However, GameStop stood out as a positive exception. Unlike other stores, they delayed their pre-orders and even allowed in-store reservations on the day itself. To the delight of many customers, some GameStop stores were accepting pre-orders for multiple dozens, if not hundreds, of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. This was a stark contrast to the difficulties faced when pre-ordering Xbox Series X|S and PS5, but it didn’t guarantee success for everyone who tried.
GameStop Stores Being Investigated For Forcing Pricey Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Bundles
One specific GameStop store located in New York is under investigation for compelling customers to purchase bundled deals rather than allowing them to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 individually at a competitive price. Instead of offering customers the choice to pay $449.99 for just the Nintendo Switch 2 or $499.99 for a bundle that includes Mario Kart World, this particular GameStop in Astoria was insisting on pre-orders for a Nintendo Switch 2 that came bundled with additional and more expensive items such as screen protectors, carrying cases, and other accessories. This resulted in a significant price hike of several hundred dollars for interested customers.
Currently, we’re thoroughly looking into this matter. If you were unable to access our Astoria branch, kindly send us a direct message so we can rectify the situation for you.
— GameStop Help (@GameStopHelp) April 25, 2025
It’s clear that some customers declined and left, feeling that the situation was unfairly costly. However, a popular post from user Elea Tsentzelis on social media grabbed GameStop’s attention, leading to an examination of the store by the company. GameStop’s official social media account reached out to those who were refused due to not purchasing their high-priced Nintendo Switch 2 packages, asking them to direct message for a chance to rectify the situation.
On previous occasions, GameStop has faced criticism from gamers due to similar practices following the releases of the Xbox Series X|S and PS5. It appears that salespeople are being incentivized by corporate and management to promote these bundles and accessories during new console launches, but not at the expense of losing a sale or annoying customers. In my own experience, I was able to walk into GameStop and pre-order a Nintendo Switch 2 without any issues, as they only suggested additional items gently when I declined their offers, indicating that this isn’t a widespread problem across all GameStop stores.
At present, I haven’t received any updates on how GameStop is addressing the concerns of customers affected by recent events, or on any changes they might be making in their New York (and possibly other) stores. However, it’s reassuring to know that GameStop seems to be distancing itself from such underhanded tactics aimed at inflating sales figures, even if this practice was prevalent in the past. It could very well be that Nintendo themselves have intervened and asked GameStop to rectify the situation, a move that GameStop would likely prioritize given their previous issues with Amazon.
Were you able to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order? Let me know in the comments.
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2025-04-29 02:40