America’s biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online last night for the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale after its original date was delayed due to Trump’s tariffs.
Gamers reported issues with Target, Walmart and Best Buy as they rushed to purchase the Japanese console when it was released at midnight.
Target’s website crashed around midnight when the sale launched, with Downdetector reporting more than 2,200 costumer complaints at that time.
Among the fury, eager gamers also reported issues with the Best Buy website at the same time.
According to Downdetector, trouble started at 9 pm, but spiked at midnight, just as Target’s website did.
Walmart shoppers experienced the most trouble at 9 pm, according to the online tracker. There was a small hike in reports again at 12 am.
As Nintendo fans swarmed retail websites to get their hands on a console, some said the Best Buy website still showed the item was not yet available to be pre-ordered.
The frustrating revelation triggered many to turn to social media to vent.
The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale sent online shoppers into a frenzy, as major retail sites crashed as the sale launched (stock image)
The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 ignited panic among gamers who rushed online to secure their pre-order – only to find websites had been overwhelmed with demand
‘Which best buy employee forgot to change the button for the pre orders for switch 2?’ vented one.
‘Best Buy didn’t open their preorders for the Switch 2 on time… and they instead waited until I was away for my computer to open them, so now I’m stuck in a long line,’ complained another while another person added: ‘Best Buy is crashing hard. Hopefully people get their Switch 2s.’
‘So Best Buy, after telling me not to leave the page, just closed the “you’re in line” box without letting me do anything,’ said another.
Someone else wrote: ‘Best buy is a mess.’
Others shared their excitement upon securing an order.
‘I GOT ONE YESSSS! Nintendo Switch 2 Here we go baby!’ said one person.
‘I managed to get one through Best Buy, hopefully they don’t cancel my order,’ another wrote.
‘Best Buy never failed me,’ rejoiced another.
Best Buy shoppers reported complaints with the website leading up to the pre-sale launch, with the most people experiencing difficulty right at midnight
Target shoppers reported complaints just as the Nintendo device’s pre-sale kicked off on Thursday
America’s biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2
However, many were not as lucky, with one man trying all three major retailers and failing to secure the console on each attempt.
‘My Nintendo Switch 2 shopping experience lol. Thanks Target Best Buy and Walmart,’ he said, sharing grabs of each website failing to send his order through.
The new Switch boasts a bigger 7.9-inch screen, higher resolution, a chat feature to talk to friends, and new Joy-Con controllers that attach and detach easily – no more wrestling them out of your console or dealing with faulty release buttons.
It was originally set to launch on April 9, but Nintendo postponed the date after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose trade tariffs on foreign countries.
‘Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,’ Nintendo told DailyMail.com at the time.
‘Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.’
When the new release date was confirmed, the Japanese gaming company said the $449.99. price tag of the long-awaited gadget would not increase despite taxation pressures.
In order to keep the consoles at the same price, the company will have to eat millions of dollars in previously unknown costs.
Switch consoles are mostly produced in Vietnam and China. Both countries were slapped with tariffs by the Trump administration.
Even though Trump has issued a 90-day tariff pause after his initial announcement tanked the stock market, he has asserted he will not budge when it comes to tech.
‘NOBODY is getting “off the hook” for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!’ the president posted on Truth Social.
‘These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff “bucket,”’ he continued.