Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders cancelled days before launch

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have been suddenly cancelled just days before the console's launch, and gamers are not happy.

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 finally arrives this week, with gamers who pre-ordered the console looking forward to playing the likes of Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

Typically, pre-ordering a game or console is the most efficient way to ensure you can play on launch day. This can be especially beneficial if launch stocks are limited, such as with Nintendo’s latest machine.

To say that many have had issues with UK retailer GAME in the last several months would be an understatement.

During the launch of the Silent Hill 2 remake, Eurogamer reported that many pre-orders were not being fulfilled, and you’d be considered lucky to receive the game you pre-ordered months ahead of its launch days, if not weeks, late.

I’ve had issues of my own with GAME with my pre-order of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition lost in the system due to a website update. Seeing as my order no longer appeared in my order history, I thought it was cancelled, so I placed another order.

However, the pre-order still existed; it was just technically 'invisible', and GAME didn't inform me as such. It took well over a month to get my duplicate pre-order cancelled. Suffice to say, that would be the last time I pre-ordered anything from the retailer.

Sadly, GAME is at it again. This time, with the aforementioned Nintendo Switch 2.

In a post made across its various social media channels, GAME informed its unfortunate customers of the following: “We sincerely apologise for the recent cancellation of some Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders. We understand how disappointing this is, especially for those who have been eagerly awaiting their order.”

“We're currently working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible. If your order was impacted, please know that we're doing everything we can and will be in touch with further updates and next steps.”

“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this. We truly appreciate your support,” the statement concluded.

On Twitter and Facebook, GAME has disabled comments related to the post of the cancelled Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders.

Normally, I’d give a company such as GAME the benefit of the doubt and would like to think that those cancelled pre-orders will be fixed ASAP, but I won't be holding my breath. I hope that I am wrong.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches this Thursday on 5 June 2025.