While the day has been filled with many excited gamers getting their hands on the newly-launched Nintendo Switch 2, one gamer has unfortunately had their day ruined because of an issue with the packaging of the console. As caught by IGN, social media X user Oathan took to the platform to reveal that their newly-bought Switch 2 has unfortunately sustained damage to its display.
According to the post, the damage was caused by a GameStop cashier stapling the receipt for the Switch 2 right on the console’s box. This staple then ended up puncturing the display of the Switch 2 inside the box. According to Oadhan, they are getting the console replaced. However, stock shortages on launch day means that they will have to wait for a few months for restocks.
In the pictures posted by Oadhan, the damage caused by the staple pin is clearly visible on not only the Switch 2 packaging, but also the display itself. It is worth noting, however, the console is still fully usable, and that the staple has seemingly only damaged the outer layer of the display.
This issue doesn’t seem to be limited to Oadhan, however. Reddit user Konflick took to the GameStop subreddit to similar problems. Another X user, Rudeboy__NYC has also gotten a similarly-damaged Switch 2, with staple pin-related damage visible on the display in provided pictures.
While GameStop’s employees certainly share some of the blame here, some users are also bringing up the fact that Nintendo’s decision to package the Switch 2 with such little protection is also a contributing factor. One X user, AncientArgonaut, also pointed out that keeping the console with its display facing one of the walls of its packaging contributed to this problem as well.
“I knew this would happen – it was a weird decision by Nintendo to have the screen sit face-side-up at the very top of the box with only the thin cardboard to protect it,” they posted. “You’re going to hear about a few damaged screens in the coming days. They are at risk just being stacked in shipping.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 has just launched worldwide today. The console is priced at $449.99, with a Mario Kart World bundle also available for $499.99. The Switch 2 is being launched alongside a host of games, including the aforementioned Mario Kart World, as well as Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Rounding out the launch line-up are the Switch 2 Edition releases for Switch games as well.
Nintendo revealed in its last earnings report that it expects to sell 15 million units of the Switch 2. The forecast, according to president Shuntaro Furukawa, was a conservative one owing to the console’s higher price when compared to its predecessor.
While stock shortages are likely going to be a problem for a few days, rumours indicate that Nintendo has partnered up with Samsung to create more chips for the console on the latter company’s 8nm fabrication node. Neither Nintendo nor Samsung have officially confirmed this, however.
