The preorders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 kicked off at midnight on Thursday, and chaos quickly unfolded as gamers rushed online to secure their consoles. With the official launch set for June 5, excitement turned to frustration for many.

As eager shoppers navigated the websites of various retailers, some managed to nab a preorder amid a flurry of activity, while others experienced long wait times and encountered error messages. Social media lit up with complaints, as fans posted screenshots of their failed attempts, along with tales of canceled orders that were initially confirmed.

Nintendo acknowledged the "very high demand" and assured potential buyers that they were working hard to fulfill orders. However, they cautioned that timely delivery by launch day was not guaranteed. For those looking to increase their chances, the company recommended checking in-store availability at participating retailers.

Retail giant Walmart commented on the situation, noting that their online listings for the console sold out quickly due to overwhelming interest. Other major retailers like Best Buy and Target also experienced the same fate, showing out-of-stock notices just hours after their launches.

GameStop joined the frenzy later in the day, offering in-person preorders and an online launch at 11 a.m. ET, but these listings were gone in minutes. Despite the website issues, GameStop mentioned they would continue to work on reducing automated and duplicate orders to reopen inventory.

The Switch 2 is marketed as a major upgrade from its predecessor, boasting new features like an interactive chat system, a larger display, and exciting new games. The hype surrounding this console isn't unexpected, especially given that demand in the gaming market has rebound significantly.

However, the release comes at a time of uncertainty in the industry, influenced by recent tariffs that have raised concerns about the costs of consumer goods, including electronics. The Switch 2’s starting price of $449.99 represents a significant jump from the original Switch's price of $299, with experts attributing part of this increase to the new import duties.

Originally set to launch preorders on April 9, Nintendo pushed the date back to evaluate the potential impacts of the tariffs and market adjustments. While they have stated that the console’s baseline price would not change, several accessory prices are expected to surge.

Nintendo is counting on the Switch 2 to revitalize their console sales, especially as demand for the original Switch wanes. Despite reporting a profit of 237 billion yen ($1.5 billion) for the first nine months of the fiscal year, this marked a 42% decline compared to the previous year, signaling a pressing need for successful new launches.

As preorder madness continues, one thing is clear: the gaming community is eagerly awaiting the next generation of Nintendo’s beloved consoles.