GameStop slammed for 'disgusting' Switch 2 launch event

GameStop's launch event for the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has been slammed by some on social media, as they brand the retailer's decision as 'disgusting' despite providing additional consoles to those who have missed out.

Despite claims from the company that stock would be in abundance, it was always going to be a struggle for many to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of its launch on June 5, 2025.

Fears surrounding a Trump tariff-induced price hike were thankfully quashed when Nintendo reaffirmed the original price tag, but it became a bit of a blood bath for people to actually secure a pre-order from some of America's biggest retailers.

GameStop was one of the most popular destinations for Switch fans looking to pick up the new console, yet it quickly sold out online and remains unavailable to purchase at the time of writing.

However, the retailer has given fans fresh hope with a new announcement, revealing that additional Switch 2 consoles will be exclusively available to purchase during a launch event ahead of the midnight release.

"Didn't pre-order? Additional Switch 2 units will be available in-store and online at launch while supplies last," explains a recent post on X from GameStop. "Launch event begins in-store at 3pm local time on June 4th. Switch 2 pickups start at 12am EST / 9pm PST."

It was also announced that you will get an additional 40% extra credit on any trade-ins towards the Switch 2 until May 31st, although with GameStop's reputation for low exchange values some might argue that it might not make that much of a difference.

While the news has generally been well received by many fans that have so far missed out on a Switch 2 pre-order, some members of the gaming community have been more critical of this particular event.

"Disgusting how quick to cash grab this business has become," writes one commenter, whereas another remarks: "This is a terrible idea. Only preorders should be given out at midnight. You're unnecessarily making the lines and crowds inconvenient to those of us who did preorder. I expect a decent plan in place to accommodate. But seriously doubt it."

Additionally, others have expressed their frustration at not being able to pre-order the console despite this messaging suggesting that there are units being held back, with a third user ranting: "I'll ask the million dollar question: If you know you'll have extra units, why not open up a few more pre-orders to those who ask in the stores???"

It does seem to be a measure to combat scalpers though, which have plagued many big tech releases in recent years including the special Anniversary Edition PS5 Pro that almost immediately went up for thousands on eBay.

Some of the frustration also appears to be down to a misunderstanding of the launch event itself. Some have interpreted the 3pm start time as when a line will start for purchases to be made at midnight, but customers will be able to pay for the console once the event begins and simply return later on to pick up their reserved console.

GameStop also allows you to check which stores nearby you are participating in this event, which will let you know whether your local retailer will have any in stock for release.

Additionally, GameStop Pro Members will also be able to get a free Red Bull if they attend the launch event, which might make the wait for midnight and the inevitable hours of gaming shortly after a lot easier to deal with!