Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Trigger Chaos: Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut & More
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is generating intense excitement, but its pre-order launch was anything but smooth. From website crashes to rapidly vanishing inventory, eager gamers faced a whirlwind of challenges trying to secure the next-gen console.
Alongside the console buzz, the announcement and availability of games like Yakuza 0: Director's Cut for the Switch 2 has added fuel to the fire. Let's dive into the chaos and the games vying for your attention.
Pre-Order Pandemonium: A Digital Stampede
Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy experienced a surge of traffic as Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders went live, as reported by The Verge. Shoppers encountered checkout errors, payment glitches, and virtual queues with excruciatingly long wait times. GameStop's pre-order also sold out swiftly, despite initial technical hiccups.
The high demand led to a secondary market frenzy, with listings appearing on eBay for exorbitant prices, some reaching upwards of $700. There's a mix of genuine and potentially fake listings, as reported by video game website Kotaku, indicating the lengths some will go to capitalize on the hype.
Walmart acknowledged the overwhelming demand, stating that the initial pre-order allocation sold out quickly. Nintendo has also warned of potential delays for pre-orders made through the My Nintendo Store.
A Second Chance?
Hope isn't entirely lost for those who missed the first wave. Nintendo is offering another opportunity to pre-order through the My Nintendo Store, but it requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership with specific criteria: a minimum of 12 months of paid membership and at least 50 hours of gameplay as of April 2, 2025.
Even with registration, invitation emails for purchases will be sent to eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis, starting May 8. It's clear that securing a Switch 2 won't be easy.
Japanese Demand Skyrockets
The fervor isn't limited to the US. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa disclosed that approximately 2.2 million people in Japan alone applied for the My Nintendo Store lottery sale. This significant number vastly exceeds the consoles available for delivery on June 5.
The Game Lineup: Yakuza 0 and More
Amidst the chaos, the announcement of games like Yakuza 0: Director's Cut for the Switch 2 has generated excitement. This edition includes new scenes, an English voiceover, and online co-op battles. Available for $50, it will be a timed exclusive for the Switch 2. Notably, it's a Game-Key Card version, requiring an initial download with the cartridge serving as an authentication device.
Several other Sega titles are also slated for release on the Switch 2, including Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and Raidou Remastered.
Exclusive titles and familiar favorites are also making their way:
- Mario Kart World
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
What's New with the Switch 2?
The Switch 2 boasts improvements over its predecessor, including a larger 7.9-inch full HD LCD screen and redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that magnetically attach. These controllers can also function like a mouse. The console features a new GameChat feature and 256 GB of storage space with microSD Express card support.
Content of Nintendo Switch 2:
- Nintendo Switch 2 console
- Joy-Con 2 controllers (left and right)
- Joy-Con 2 Grip
- Joy-Con 2 Straps
- Nintendo Switch 2 Dock
- Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable
- Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter
- USB-C Charging Cable
The Nintendo Switch 2 saga continues with a blend of anticipation and frustration. Will you brave the odds to secure a console? What games are topping your wishlist?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
