GameStop “Actively Investigating” Switch 2 Forced-Bundling Reports

When preorders for the Switch 2 commenced in the US last week, physical GameStop locations witnessed extensive queues for in-store preorders. Reports indicate that some locations might have been attempting to profit from these sought-after preorders by compelling customers to purchase additional games and accessories, thus forming a costly bundle. GameStop corporate is currently probing the situation.

X user and Twitch broadcaster Elea Tsentzelis shared his experience while attempting to preorder a Switch 2 at GameStop’s Astoria outlet, alleging the store was “pressuring you to buy” accessories by “asserting they couldn’t process the SKU solely for the console.”

Tsentzelis subsequently posted a complete video of his transaction, where a GameStop associate can be heard requesting him to create a bundle with a minimum quantity of items. Even after including a MicroSD card, Donkey Kong Bananza, the Mario Kart World bundle, and a Pro Controller, Tsentzelis was informed he needed to add two more products.

In the comments of the post, most other X users claimed they faced no issues preordering the console alone at different GameStop locations, although some recounted similar experiences of high-pressure selling for Switch 2 games, accessories, or warranties at specific GameStop stores. Others reported being told they required a GameStop Pro Membership to preorder, or felt significant pressure to enroll.

GameStop’s support account has now responded to Tsentzelis’ post, stating that the company is “actively investigating” the situation. “Any customer who was denied service at the Astoria location should get in touch via DM so we can rectify this,” the post stated. Currently, the Astoria location is the only one referenced by the GameStop support account.

The entire preorder process for the Switch 2 has been somewhat chaotic thus far, with US preorders postponed due to tariffs imposed by Trump, and the console’s significant US inventory battling high demand and technical problems when online orders commenced. Console preorders are presently sold out for now, yet many games and accessories are still available for preorder. Switch 2 preorders have already surfaced on eBay–but exercise caution and verify your purchase if opting for that route.