Last month, during the excitement and chaos of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, a story broke through the noise. At least one person’s Switch 2 was ruined by GameStop after someone at the store stapled a receipt to the box and punctured the screen. Now,

Some people reported an unwelcome surprise after picking up their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders at GameStop: staples used to attach receipts to Switch 2 boxes ended up damaging the screens on the console, as reported by IGN. However, GameStop says this was an issue that was “isolated” to a single store and that it has already offered replacements. When you open the box for the Switch 2, the tablet / screen part of the device is just under the top flap of the packaging. The tablet’s proximity to the top of the box possibly explains how staples could get through and poke holes in the screen — especially if the person using the stapler gave it a solid push. Reports started trickling in overnight as people got their preorders. In this post on X, for example, you can see photos of two dots on the box, a bag, and the screen. View Link To IGN, a GameStop spokesperson said that it was “investigating the matter” and promised to “make customers whole.” And on Thursday, one Reddit user affected by the problem said that they spoke with a GameStop manager who said they would be able to exchange their damaged unit. “We’ve addressed a unique case of staples damaging Switch 2 screens – isolated to one store,” GameStop says in a post on X. “Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated.”

Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, NewsJune 5, 20252 Min ReadSwitch 2 promotional photo via NintendoMultiple consumers on social media claim GameStop employees who chose to staple receipts to the packaging of Switch 2 hardware have inadvertently caused screen punctures.As clocked by IGN, a number of Switch 2 owners who managed to secure a device on launch day say they began unboxing their device only to find the display sported puncture wounds.The culprit, it seems, were receipts that had been stapled to the cardboard packaging by retail workers. "My Switch 2 has staple holes in the screen. They stapled the receipt to the box," wrote one X user, who also posted pictures of the damage."GameStop stapled the receipt for me and my friends Switch 2s to the box. FML," said another person on X before sharing similar images. "Genuinely insane now I’m gonna have to wait 3 months for the restock. And yes we were there for the midnight release so I bet everyone in this line is gonna have this same issue."There have also been similar posts on Reddit, where multiple users claim to have encountered the same issue and suggested the problem might be widespread. It seems many of those impacted picked up their console from GameStop's Staten Island branch."Me and my homie here (we never met before) were unfortunately at the same GameStop and this happened to me and another buddy! Think the entire pre-order batch is completely fucked," they wrote in a thread.Related:Who decided to package Switch 2 consoles with the screens facing outward?It's an issue that raises questions about the decision to package the Switch 2 with the screen facing outward. As shown by the images being shared on social media and multiple unboxing videos (like this one posted by CNET), the console's 7.9 inch display is visible as soon as the box is opened and is only protected by a plastic wrap and the cardboard lid of the box itself.Game Developer has reached out to Nintendo for comment. Read more about:Nintendo Switch 2Top StoriesAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally a thing you can buy in the US — or at least, a thing you can try to buy. The $450 console officially went up for sale at midnight ET on June 5, with numerous retailers offering the device both online and in-store. Predictably, online stock dried up fairly quickly and remains highly limited as of Thursday evening. Broadly speaking, it appears people have had a bit more luck by heading to a physical retail store. There’s still no guarantee that you’ll be able to snag one that way, but a couple of Engadget staffers managed to grab a Switch 2 on Thursday at their local Target and GameStop, even with no pre-order in place.  If you can’t find the device out in the wild, your next best chance to get the Switch 2 online looks to be via Target. The retailer says it’ll resume selling the console online in the “early morning” on Friday, June 6, though it hasn’t confirmed an exact time beyond that. To make things a little easier for those still on the hunt, we’re rounding up all of the information we can find on how to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch and tracking any restocks that pop up. Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Walmart opened up online purchases at midnight on June 5, but both the console alone and Nintendo's Mario Kart World bundle remain out of stock as of our latest update. Naturally, the world's largest retailer is also selling the console at its brick-and-mortar locations. The company has noted that quantities are limited and inventory will vary by location, but it's worth checking if any store near you still has devices available. Target began selling the Switch 2 in stores on June 5. The retailer has warned that supply will be limited, but some stores still appear to have the console in stock as of Thursday evening, so it's worth looking into the locations closest to you. Anecdotally, Engadget's Billy Steele was able to pick up the device at a Target just outside of Greensboro, North Carolina as late as 4:15pm ET on Thursday. The company says it'll restock its online inventory in the "early morning" on Friday, June 6, while supplies last. That may be the next best opportunity to secure the Switch 2 without going to a store. GameStop held launch events on Wednesday and is advertising in-store availability, though again this will vary by location. Engadget's Cherlynn Low was able to buy the console without a pre-order at a GameStop store in the New York City area on Thursday morning. That particular location had a little under 80 units available, but its manager told Low that inventory will differ at other stores based on population. As we write this, the device is unavailable on GameStop's website. A $625 bundle that includes Mario Kart World, a microSD Express card and a few other accessories has been in and out of stock more frequently than the standard SKUs, though it's sold out now (and kind of scummy anyway). We briefly saw it pop back up around 2:30pm ET, so it may be one to bookmark if you can stomach the extra cost. The listings for the base console and Mario Kart bundle, meanwhile, now point to a "Find a Store" page. Best Buy held in-store launch events at midnight and said it'd have limited stock at its retail locations starting June 5. It is not selling the console online during launch week, however. You may also have some luck at certain membership-based retailers. A Mario Kart World bundle at Costco that includes a 12-month Switch Online membership has gone in and out of stock, while Sam's Club has had a bundle without the Switch Online sub available as well. You'll need a membership to check on either of those, though. We've also seen online stock at BJ's, but those listings are unavailable as of our most recent update. Verizon briefly had the Switch 2 available on Thursday morning, but that's dried up, and only those with Verizon service were able to order. As of now, Amazon is the only major retailer that doesn't have some form of Switch 2 listing on its website. The company didn't take any pre-orders for the Switch 2 either, so it's unclear if and when it will sell the device. Newegg has listed the Switch 2 on its site for several weeks, but it hasn't started sales yet.  With all of these stores, we've generally seen the Mario Kart World bundle available in greater quantities online than the base console, which costs $50 less. But considering Mario Kart is the Switch 2's biggest launch game and retails for $80 on its own, that may not be the worst thing. Nintendo, meanwhile, is still only selling the Switch 2 via an invite system. This requires you to have been a Switch Online member for at least 12 months and logged at least 50 hours of Switch 1 playtime as of April 2. It can't hurt to put your name on the list if you meet that criteria, but don't expect it to bear fruit anytime soon — several people who registered in April still haven't received an invite, and shipments haven't gone out yet for many of those who did order (including yours truly). You can find a list of every Switch 2 retail listing we could find below. Just be aware that this is meant to be a reference, not a rundown of everywhere the device is available right this second. Where to buy Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle: Walmart GameStop GameStop ($625 bundle with various accessories) Best Buy Target Costco (membership required) Sam's Club (membership required) BJ's (membership required) Verizon (service required) Where to buy Switch 2: Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target BJ's (membership required) Verizon (service required) Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 games and accessories Nintendo is also selling a bunch of new accessories for the Switch 2, most of which became available on June 5 alongside the console. The same thing goes for games such as Mario Kart World and the Switch 2 edition of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Another big Switch 2 title, Donkey Kong Bananza, won't be available until mid-July, though you can still pre-order it today. As of Thursday evening, just about all Switch 2 games remain widely available. Stock for the accessories is a little patchier, but most devices are generally in stock at certain retailers. Note that you'll need to have received an invite to purchase most accessories at Nintendo's online store. Mario Kart World ($80) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Donkey Kong Bananza ($70) Nintendo Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Costco (membership required) Additional Switch 2 games Nintendo Amazon Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) for Nintendo Switch 2 ($60) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Amazon Joy-Con 2 bundle ($95) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 Pro Controller ($85) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Costco ($75, membership required) Switch 2 Camera ($55) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera ($60) Best Buy Target Amazon Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip ($40) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) ($25) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case ($85) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector ($40) Nintendo (invite required) Walmart GameStop Best Buy Target Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set ($120) Nintendo (account required) This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-buy-the-nintendo-switch-2-current-in-stock-availability-on-consoles-and-games-120039522.html?src=rss

It's finally here. Credit: Nintendo Best places to buy the Switch 2 online Buy the Switch 2 at Walmart Switch 2 console $449 at Walmart Buy the Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle at Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499 at Nintendo Buy the Switch 2 at Best Buy Switch 2 console $449.99 at Best Buy Buy the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle at GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $499.99 at GameStop Eight years after the launch of the original, the Nintendo Switch 2 is finally being released in midnight launch events around the country. At the same time, gamers around the United States are checking retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, and even Costco in search of the next-generation console.On social media platforms like X, Reddit, and YouTube, gamers are sharing photos and videos of long lines and excited crowds outside stores like GameStop and Target. And some lucky gamers are already showing off their successful purchases. While there are dozens of Switch 2 games and accessories available for purchase, gamers looking for the console itself have two options: Get the base Switch 2 console for $449.99 or opt for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle for $499.99. Of course, both are in short supply, even as Nintendo forecasts selling 20 million units in the next 12 months. You May Also Like The first customers to get their hands on Switch 2 consoles were the lucky players who placed a preorder through GameStop or Best Buy. Both retailers hosted midnight ET launch events around the country, which gave people the chance to pick up their preorders in person. In addition, these retailers will be selling limited supplies of consoles on a first-come, first-served basis, according to their websites. Mashable recently received a Switch 2 review unit, and we'll be sharing more first impressions soon. Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! However, even though the Switch 2 has been officially released, that doesn't mean online inventory will be available right away. Nintendo is only allowing purchases for customers with active, paid Switch Online memberships. And Target previously announced that it wouldn't start selling the console online until Friday (June 6). However, retailers like Best Buy and Walmart promised to start selling the console online promptly at midnight.When preorders officially went live on April 24, gamers promptly crashed retailer websites, and history may repeat itself for launch day. But if you want to try your luck at placing an online order, head to the retailers and start smashing that refresh button like you're playing Super Smash Bros. Related Stories You can check the latest Switch 2 stock at the following online stores:If those links don't work, you can also look for the Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Costco, and Staples. Timothy Beck Werth Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth is the Tech Editor at Mashable, where he leads coverage and assignments for the Tech and Shopping verticals. Tim has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and he has particular experience covering and testing consumer technology, smart home gadgets, and men’s grooming and style products. Previously, he was the Managing Editor and then Site Director of SPY.com, a men's product review and lifestyle website. As a writer for GQ, he covered everything from bull-riding competitions to the best Legos for adults, and he’s also contributed to publications such as The Daily Beast, Gear Patrol, and The Awl.Tim studied print journalism at the University of Southern California. He currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY and Charleston, SC. He's currently working on his second novel, a science-fiction book.

Update, June 5th: Walmart, GameStop, and BJ’s Wholesale Club have seemingly sold out of their available Switch 2 inventory, at least online. Target is set to open online preorders on June 6th; however, it’s also possible that some retailers still have units available in-store.The Switch 2 is here. Nintendo’s latest console launches in the US on June 5th, bringing with it more processing power, a larger 7.9-inch LCD display, and an all-new racing title in the form of Mario Kart World. Preorders for the $449 hybrid console sold out ahead of launch; however, if you’re looking to grab one now, rest assured that a handful of retailers have announced availability, both in-store and online.RelatedSo far, Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target have all confirmed that they will have limited console stock on Thursday, June 5th (or earlier, depending on your location). The same retailers will also have the new Switch 2 Pro Controller, the Switch 2 camera, first-party carrying cases, and other launch-day accessories.We’ll be publishing a ton of Switch-related coverage in the coming days — including our full Switch 2 review — but in the meantime, we’ve rounded up all the details you need to know if you want to attempt to secure a console on day one. After all, there’s no telling what post-launch availability will be like, despite Nintendo’s attempts to build up an inventory of its next-gen portable system to meet demand.In this articleRetailer landing pagesWalmartYou can snag a Switch 2 at Walmart Supercenters starting on June 5th at 12AM ET / June 4th at 9PM PT, while supplies last. Online orders are now open, although, as expected, stock is limited and subject to availability. In terms of what’s on offer, Walmart’s launch day slate includes both the standalone Switch 2 ($449) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499), along with games and the following accessories:GameStopGameStop previously confirmed that it will have additional Switch 2 stock available both in-store and online when the console launches on June 5th. In-store launch events — including in-store pickups — have already begun, as have online orders.As of right now, the retailer is offering both the standalone console ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99), as well as games like Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($79.99). You can also purchase the following accessories both in-store and online:Best BuyAs detailed on Best Buy’s landing page for the Switch 2, “most stores will have a limited inventory of systems, games, and accessories for in-store purchase” beginning on June 5th at 12:01AM ET / June 4th at 9:01PM PT. Best Buy previously stipulated that it anticipated people lining up ahead of the console’s midnight release, including those who previously preordered the standalone console ($449.99) or the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99) and are showing up for in-store pickup.Several games and accessories are currently available for purchase online; however, the retailer previously specified that it will not be accepting online orders for the console itself during launch week.Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99)Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54.99)Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera ($59.99)Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set ($24.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.99)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($84.99)Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card ($59.99)BJ’s Wholesale ClubSurprisingly, BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened online preorders for both the standalone Switch 2 console ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99). Like other BJ’s purchases, it requires a premium Club membership, which starts at $60 a year and grants you access to free same-day deliveries, up to 25 percent off grocery store purchases, and other rewards perks.TargetIf you can wait until the morning or later this week, Target has confirmed that it will offer both the standalone Switch 2 ($449.99) and the Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99) in-store on launch day, with online orders opening in the “early morning” on June 6th. Consoles will be limited to one per guest, and according to its FAQ, there will be a “designated queuing location” for customers to line up before stores open on June 5th. Target employees will distribute physical or digital tickets either until all tickets have been claimed or 10 minutes prior to opening. If you do manage to obtain one, your console purchase is guaranteed.As expected, Target will offer “additional software, amiibo and accessories” while supplies last. The retailer wasn’t clear on which accessories will be available on June 5th, though based on prior preorder availability, we expect the following:Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller ($84.99)Joy-Con 2 controllers ($94.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Camera ($54.99)Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera ($59.99)Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set ($24.99)Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector ($39.99)Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case ($84.99)Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card ($59.99)Other retailersIf you don’t anticipate having any luck with any of the aforementioned retailers, there are a handful of alternatives that might have Switch 2 stock on June 5th. Costco, Staples, Sam’s Club, Antonline, and Newegg are all expected to offer Nintendo’s latest console online at some point, as evident by their respective landing pages for the Switch 2.There is no word on whether they will have in-store availability; however, Costco’s website indicates that the console will be available for purchase starting on June 5th at an undisclosed price.Costco (membership required): Mario Kart World bundle (with Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack)Staples: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)Sam’s Club (membership required): Mario Kart World bundleAntonline: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)Newegg: Standalone console ($449.99) / Mario Kart World bundle ($499.99)See More: