Nintendo Switch 2’s popularity is so immense despite the criticism. Despite continuous backlash, it has managed to sell 3.5 million units in just four days.
While there are available units right now, the Switch 2 restocks are hard to spot in North America. Since its summer release, customers in the region have been fighting for units, more often than not with no luck.
Demand exploded, but restocks have only increased uncertainty, anger, and disappointment, particularly as reputable retailers have struggled to deliver consoles at MSRP.
- Retailers Misfire on Switch 2 Restocks
- Walmart’s ‘Restock’ Turns Into a Reseller Trap
- GameStop and Best Buy Have Local Stock Only, If You’re Lucky
- Target’s Inventory Silence Frustrates Buyers
- Costco Remains a No-Show in the Switch 2 Game
- Scalpers Rule Again
- Where Do We Go From Here?
- High Demand, Low Supply, No Relief
Retailers Misfire on Switch 2 Restocks
Nintendo Switch 2 Restock Problem: Gamers Face Sky-High Prices From
Kamil Switalski/Unsplash
Despite assurances of renewed stock availability, Switch 2 restocks at major retailers failed. Most gamers, anticipating an easy checkout experience, were instead subjected to deceptive listings and exorbitant prices by third-party resellers, according to GameRant.
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Walmart’s ‘Restock’ Turns Into a Reseller Trap
Walmart appears to have stock at first glance. However, if one takes a closer look, all but the occasional listing appears to be from third-party sellers, not Walmart. Consequently, rather than the usual $450–$500 price point, consoles can cost anywhere from $700 to $800.
Delivery times are all over the map, leaving shoppers out on a limb. This bait-and-switch practice makes it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between legitimate listings and scalper price hikes.
GameStop and Best Buy Have Local Stock Only, If You’re Lucky
Both GameStop and Best Buy indicate limited supply, but only at specific physical locations. Online stock is largely devoid of content. Unless consumers are prepared to call local branches or drive to them, acquiring a console is not in the cards.
Some areas indicate sporadic availability, but it tends to be claimed within a matter of hours. For the moment, the local search is the best available option for snagging a unit at retail cost.
Target’s Inventory Silence Frustrates Buyers
In contrast to Walmart, Target declines to list Switch 2 consoles via third-party sellers. That’s a victory for customer confidence, but with no restocks since early June and no word in the works, it’s also an impasse. For faithful Target customers dreaming of a restock notification or preorder opportunity, the silence is deafening.
Costco Remains a No-Show in the Switch 2 Game
Costco had originally intended to sell an exclusive package, comprising Mario Kart World and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, the package did not come to pass, and the store has become a non-option even for its members. The lack of any stock or news has made Costco a ghost town for Switch 2 enthusiasts.
Scalpers Rule Again
History is repeating itself. Like the PS5, Xbox Series X, and the original Switch, the Switch 2 is now in the hands of scalpers, and we’re left waiting or paying too much. Even after years of complaining, nothing has been done to prevent third-party price gouging or strengthen consumer protections. Retailers are either helpless or unwilling to stop the issue at its source.
If you go to eBay, Switch 2 listings are mostly overpriced. If it’s reasonably priced, do a diligent verification of the seller. It might be a jackpot purchase or a scam.
Where Do We Go From Here?
There are rumors of a mid-summer restock, but Nintendo hasn’t made any announcement of a timeline. For now, the best bet is to stop by local GameStop or Best Buy locations. And with Amazon now rumored to be joining the restock mix, there could be a glimmer of hope for broader availability.
High Demand, Low Supply, No Relief
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a victim of its own success, with great demand pitted against inadequate stock control and rampant scalping. Until Nintendo and the big retailers exert more control over their supply chains, the ordinary gamer will keep on struggling to obtain the next-generation console, unless they’re prepared to pay over the odds.
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