GameStop Investigates Reports of Console Damage Ahead of Nintendo Switch 2 Launch

Video game retailer GameStop announced on Thursday that it is looking into reports from customers claiming they received damaged Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Several individuals on social media platforms, including X and Reddit, reported that their consoles had been marred by staples used to attach receipts to the packaging. One user, Oadhan Lynch, shared photos of his damaged console and expressed frustration about the situation, highlighting that he had waited for the midnight release and feared many others would face the same problem.

A spokesperson for GameStop assured that the company is actively investigating the issue and intends to remedy the situation for its customers. Later in the day, Lynch updated his followers, stating that the store had taken steps to rectify the issue by sourcing replacement consoles for affected customers in the New York and New Jersey area. These isolated reports emerged as excitement surrounding the newly released Nintendo console reached a fever pitch.

The Switch 2, which retails for $449.99 or $499 with Mario Kart World, sold out quickly, with fans eagerly waiting in long lines across the nation. The anticipation for this follow-up to the original Switch, which debuted eight years ago, has been mounting progressively. However, some fans experienced further frustrations, as reports surfaced of order cancellations from retailers like Walmart and delays in shipping from Target.

At the midnight launch event at Rockefeller Center, Nintendo President and COO Doug Bowser emphasized ongoing efforts to coordinate supply with retail partners to meet demand not only during the launch but also throughout the upcoming holiday season. Nintendo has projected sales of 15 million units of the Switch 2 through the fiscal year ending in March 2026. Many early adopters expressed enthusiasm about the console’s new features, such as a larger, clearer screen and innovative Joy-Con controllers.