My Story Picking Up a Switch 2 Pre-Order

by

I’d like to think that my struggles might provide a bit of amusement for you. Just remember, it’s all in good fun – I’m not trying to be overly dramatic here. I’ve just reached my limit.

Experiencing a new console debut is always thrilling. Ever since the release of the 3DS in 2011, I’ve made it a tradition to pre-order every fresh console from GameStop without encountering any problems. The joy I felt collecting those consoles, bringing them home, and exploring the novel games with my companions is something I still cherish. This time around, when online pre-orders weren’t working out, I trusted GameStop once more to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order. With millions of other Nintendo enthusiasts, I eagerly anticipated launch day. Regrettably, the process of picking up my Switch 2 pre-order turned into a bit of a fiasco.

This past week, I got a phone call from my local GameStop informing me that since I had fully paid for my pre-order, I was eligible for the priority pickup line at the midnight release event. They stated it would only take around 15 minutes, and I could arrive precisely at 12pm EST without much waiting time. However, my wife’s work kept her late, so we didn’t finish dinner until half an hour before I had to depart. In a hurry, I quickly devoured a pork chop, some mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed broccoli, a dinner roll, and drank a Mountain Dew to keep me energized.

Boy, was I taken aback! When I got to GameStop, I learned that the person I had spoken with earlier was incorrect – only those who showed up earlier in the day and received a “finalized” receipt could jump the queue. So there I stood, at the end of the long line, for more than an hour. My bladder was on the verge of explosion, my kidneys might have given out. Surrounded by body odor and loud anime accents. And one of these folks, with the distinctive anime accent, seemed to be unaware of Cowboy Bebop? Talking as if they were from Konoha, yet clueless about Cowboy Bebop?

See you space cowboy

Eventually, I reached the head of the line, and a staff member stood by, holding the door open. He was chatting amiably with each person as they approached, which is typically not my favorite situation due to my social anxiety. However, considering it would only be brief interactions like those of others, I decided to proceed.

I WAS QUITE STUNNED, finding myself stuck behind a group of people who were browsing through the store for games. This unexpected situation meant that I had to endure a lengthy conversation with the store clerk, which lasted around 15 minutes. Granted, he was an amiable fellow, but at that moment, I was bloated with indigestion from my meal of chop and pop, and it seemed as though insects were creeping beneath my skin. In summary, I yearned for the interaction to conclude swiftly.

At last, it was my time to step in. Engaging in a chat with the attendant at the desk, they nearly pleaded for me to subscribe to their warranty and credit plan. However, I politely refused. As they began preparing my gear, I moved forward with my gaming adventure, leaving those offers behind.

I WAS TOTALLY STUNNED when I found out that they had already RETIRED THE SALE on the Switch 2 Pro Controller which I had pre-ordered together with the console. They didn’t try to cover it up by claiming Nintendo didn’t deliver enough units. Instead, they admitted they had sold the controller to someone else.

In April, I was second in line to pre-order the Switch 2. Unfortunately, instead of being rewarded for my patience, I was deceived, left empty-handed as my order was sold out, and endured a torturous wait due to needing to hold in my urge to use the restroom. Fingers crossed that I can find a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller at Walmart or elsewhere soon. Here’s hoping that Mario Kart World and the exceptional Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour are worth all the hassle.

Read More

2025-06-05 09:54