When Switch 2 preorders launched in the US last week, physical GameStop stores saw lines around the block for preordering in person. Reports suggest some stores may have been looking to cash in on the coveted preorders by forcing customers to add extra games and accessories to form an expensive bundle, and GameStop corporate is now investigating.
X user and Twitch streamer Elea Tsentzelis posted about his experience preordering a Switch 2 at GameStop’s Astoria store, saying the store was “forcing you to buy,” accessories by “claiming they can’t process the SKU just for the console.”
Tsentzelis later posted a full video of his transaction at the store, where a GameStop employee can be heard asking him to create a bundle with a minimum item quantity. Even after bundling a MicroSD card, Donkey Kong Bananza, the Mario Kart World bundle, and a Pro Controller, Tsentzelis is told he needs to add two more items.
In the replies to the post, most other X users say they had no issue preordering the console by itself at other GameStop stores, though some had similar stories of aggressive upselling of Switch 2 games, accessories, or warranties at some GameStop locations. Others claim they were told they needed a GameStop Pro Membership to preorder, or at least were heavily pressured into signing up for the membership.
GameStop’s support account has now responded to Tsentzelis’ post, saying the company is “actively investigating” the matter. “Any customer who was turned away at the Astoria location should reach out via DM so we can make it right,” the post read. At present the Astoria store is the only one mentioned by the GameStop support account.
The entire preorder experience for the Switch 2 has been a little chaotic so far, with US preorders delayed due to Trump’s tariffs, and the console’s major US stock experienced high demand and technical issues when online orders opened. Console preorders are now sold out for the time being, though many of the games and accessories are still available for preorder. Switch 2 preorders are already being listed on eBay–but be careful to check what you’re buying if you’re planning to go down that route.
