The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 preorders finally kicked off in the US at the stroke of midnight ET, but what followed was a rollercoaster of frustration and frenzy across major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

Target appeared to lead the way in launching preorders, but customers quickly found themselves battling a slew of issues. Many managed to reach the checkout screen only to be thwarted by demands to update shipping addresses or lost payment information. Worse yet, some users who seemingly secured their orders later received notifications of cancellations. The wild ride saw stock levels fluctuating rapidly, but Target has since confirmed that both the console and the Mario Kart World bundle are now sold out.

Walmart's site offered an equally baffling experience, displaying a vague queue message warning customers, 'This deal is almost gone.' Despite the initial confusion, reports suggest that several lucky customers, including some at The Verge, ultimately secured their preorders. Just like Target, Walmart’s consoles and bundles came and went before vanishing altogether.

Over at Best Buy, eager fans were met with a 'coming soon' gray button for the Switch 2 and its Mario Kart bundle for 30 agonizing minutes before the clock struck twelve. By 12:31 AM ET, I found myself in a virtual line only to be abruptly kicked out just before 2 AM, with the dreaded message confirming the bundle was sold out. However, many online echoed a different story, reporting successful purchases from Best Buy.

These preorder dilemmas followed an unsettling warning from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa about supply shortages in Japan. Additionally, Nintendo hinted this week that invitations for direct sales in the US might not reach every eager gamer ahead of the launch.

Initially slated for April 9th, the preorder date was pushed back due to tariff issues, leaving gamers on the edge of their seats until it was finally announced that preorders would start on April 24th with a price tag of $449.99 in the US, alongside price hikes for accessories. Some regions, including the UK, saw preorders begin earlier this month, leaving many wondering if they’d be getting their consoles on launch day, June 5th.

With anticipation at a fever pitch, one thing's for sure: the Switch 2 launch is generating a whirlwind of excitement—just make sure you’re ready for the chaos!