GameStop has found itself in an awkward spot after a bizarre and frustrating mishap involving the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2.
Customers who picked up their consoles from at least one GameStop store discovered that their brand-new devices were already damaged, before even turning them on.
The problem? Staples.
On launch day, June 6, 2025, some GameStop employees at one location stapled receipts directly to the outside of the Switch 2’s retail box. While that might sound harmless, it turns out the staple was able to punch through the cardboard packaging and into the actual device inside, specifically the screen.
The result? Small puncture marks or worse, cracked or completely non-functioning displays. Not exactly the welcome experience early adopters were hoping for after months of anticipation and preorders.
GameStop quickly addressed the issue once reports surfaced online. The company posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “We’ve addressed a unique case of staples damaging Switch 2 screens, isolated to one store. Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated.”
Although the post didn’t name the exact store, sources online point to a location in New York as the likely culprit. It appears the receipt stapling wasn’t a widespread practice, but one store doing it was enough to cause serious headaches for several unlucky buyers.
Customers affected by the Switch 2 screen damage are being offered replacements by GameStop. But there’s a catch: the Switch 2 is already flying off shelves and has sold out in many U.S. locations. That means some customers may be stuck waiting for weeks, possibly longer, for a new unit to arrive.
The Switch 2 is one of the biggest console launches in recent years. Featuring upgraded graphics, a larger OLED display, and backward compatibility, it’s been in high demand from both long-time Nintendo fans and newcomers. That demand has made this stapler incident especially frustrating, as replacements aren’t easy to come by right now.
GameStop’s move to confiscate staplers might sound like a joke, but it highlights a real problem with retail procedures gone wrong. This isn’t the first time packaging decisions have resulted in damaged goods, but it’s certainly one of the more bizarre examples.
As of now, the company says it’s taken internal steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. In the meantime, if you bought your Switch 2 from GameStop and notice any screen issues, it’s a good idea to check for staple marks or other unusual damage and contact support right away.
While the stapler scandal is likely to blow over soon, it’s a reminder that sometimes, even a small office supply can ruin a $400 piece of tech.
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