Summary
- GameStop stapled receipts directly into Nintendo Switch 2 boxes
- Staples punctured console screens, causing launch day disappointment
- Issue appears limited to select GameStop stores
Damaged Nintendo Switch 2 Units Ruin Launch Day for Some Fans
The official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5 was meant to be a huge celebration for fans. But for some unlucky buyers, the excitement turned into frustration after receiving damaged Nintendo Switch consoles from GameStop.
Reports have surfaced that GameStop stapled receipts directly onto the console boxes—and those staples pierced the screens inside.
The problem came to light after users like @Oadhan and @Rudeboy_NYC posted their experiences on social media. They revealed that their Switch 2 units had puncture holes on the screens—caused by staples shot through the box to attach receipts.
Reddit threads quickly followed with similar complaints, some even stating that entire batches were possibly affected at specific GameStop locations.
Popular insider @Wario64 also highlighted the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating that one GameStop store’s poor handling damaged multiple units.
While it’s currently unknown how widespread this is, many agree that waiting for a console, only to get a damaged unit because of a stapler, is beyond frustrating.
GameStop Stapling Incident Causes Screen Damage – Is There a Fix or Replacement?
Those affected now have to wait up to three months for the next stock to arrive. And since Switch 2 pre-orders sold out quickly, replacements may not be easy to get.
GameStop hasn’t officially responded, but this situation puts pressure on them to offer fast solutions—either through refunds or prioritized replacements for those affected.
In better news, players who got an undamaged unit can update their Switch 2 even without internet. Nintendo has made it so the day-one update is included on launch game cards. That means you can update your console offline just by inserting a supported game—making setup a little easier amid the chaos.
