Switch 2 UK pre-orders are being cancelled one week before launch

UK retailer Game has confirmed it’s cancelled some Switch 2 pre-orders, one week before the new console is released.

Pre-orders for the Switch 2 went live in April with many retailers across the UK selling out of their initial allocation almost instantly. Since then, fans have struggled to secure the bigger, more powerful console from Nintendo, which launches next week (June 5).

However yesterday (May 29), Game confirmed it had cancelled a number of successful pre-orders. “We sincerely apologise for the recent cancellation of some Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders,” read a statement from the company.

“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.”

Statement regarding Nintendo Switch 2 online pre-order cancellations.

Contact GAME customer services here https://t.co/i8BVxT31aE#GAME pic.twitter.com/BV0JtpeMuU

— GAME.co.uk (@GAMEdigital) May 29, 2025

Game hasn’t given a reason for the cancellations or confirmed how many customers have been affected, with many still waiting for news about cancelled orders being reinstated. “Any further updates, because if not I’m taking my money elsewhere,” one fan wrote on X. ”Just went through the awful customer service after an hour and a half of waiting, this was 1000 per cent oversold and isn’t really happening anywhere else to this scale. Just fucking shameful,” another said on Reddit.

Earlier this year, Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa said players won’t need to worry about stock shortages for the Switch 2 due to new anti-scalping measures. To stop scalpers, Nintendo used an invite-only system for pre-orders through its online store, which prioritised players who had racked up more than 50 hours on the original Switch and had an active Nintendo membership.

However Japanese fans were told a “significant number” would miss out on the Switch 2 after Nintendo admitted demand “far exceeded our prior expectations”, with 2.2million people signing up for the chance to pre-order one.

According to industry reports, the Switch 2 could become the fastest selling console of all time, with many expecting it to shift more than 16million units in its first year. This is despite backlash over Nintendo’s new “variable pricing” model for games.

In other news, Nintendo has confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch this October with a Switch 2 upgrade available.

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