GameStop spoils Nintendo Switch 2 release date excitement by damaging the console's screen

Anxious gamers picking up consoles from GameStop on the Switch 2 release date soon made devastating discoveries. Some employees stapled receipts to boxes, which damaged the handheld's screen. As noted by Wario64 on social media, disappointed customers have shared evidence of their misfortune. While the retailer is under fire, other critics blame Nintendo for improper packaging.

It's unclear how widespread the problem is, but one post gaining attention was from a Staten Island, New York buyer. Gamers in other regions collecting Switch 2 pre-orders soon chimed in with similar horror stories. Unfortunately, GameStop workers stapled proof of purchase where the Switch 2 screen sits. The decision led to punctures and scratches on the LCD display. Now, these gamers are asking GameStop to rectify the situation, but with limited stock, a replacement could take weeks to arrive.

When the first unboxing videos appeared, the packaging design shocked some viewers. Inside the rather thin box, the Switch 2 screen faces upwards with minimal cushioning. Had the manufacturer placed the dock in the same spot, the more valuable console below might have avoided harm. Still, the box is also surprisingly compact, considering the handheld's larger 7.9-inch screen. With Nintendo stockpiling units to avoid shortages, the dimensions allowed more consoles to fit on pallets.

Nintendo has also warned fans about another way the Switch 2 screen could become damaged. The handheld arrives with a protective film, which some gamers may peel off. However, the material prevents glass shards from scattering after impacts and should remain untouched.

Even if GameStop stops stapling, complaints stemming from midnight Switch 2 pre-order pickups and sales will mount. Hopefully, the store can avoid similar disasters when the console restocks.