Nintendo and GameStop have responded to reports of damaged Switch 2 consoles reaching customers on launch day, with screens punctured by staples used to attach receipts to packaging.
Affected customers have informed IGN that GameStop is now providing replacement consoles sourced from neighboring stores.
The retailer released an official statement - which Nintendo referenced when IGN requested comment - clarifying that this incident was limited to a single GameStop location where employees damaged multiple units.
"We've resolved an isolated incident involving staple-damaged Switch 2 screens at one store location," GameStop stated on social media.
"Affected customers have received replacements, and we've removed staplers from the checkout process," the company added, accompanying their statement with a humorous Office Space movie reference showing confiscated staplers.
We've resolved an isolated incident involving staple-damaged Switch 2 screens at one store location.
Affected customers have received replacements, and we've removed staplers from the checkout process. https://t.co/w6eOEDtCeK pic.twitter.com/8UUeS7mx8i
— GameStop (@gamestop) June 5, 2025
Multiple customers who attended the midnight launch at GameStop's Forest Avenue location in Staten Island discovered their new consoles had staple-punctured screens upon unboxing.
Some criticized GameStop's receipt attachment method, while others pointed to Nintendo's packaging design as problematic - noting the Switch 2's screen faces outward against the thin cardboard packaging.
"This was predictable," commented one social media user. "Nintendo's decision to position the screen flush against minimal packaging was questionable. More damaged units will likely surface during shipping."
IGN has inquired whether Nintendo plans to revise the packaging or issue warnings to other retailers about similar potential hazards.
AnswerSee Results"GameStop handled this well," one customer told IGN after receiving a damaged unit at launch. "They immediately replaced my console, apparently shipping replacements specifically for this issue."
Another satisfied customer reported that GameStop had quickly coordinated with nearby stores to source replacement consoles.
