Walmart Zelda Switch 2 Pre-Order Issues Deepen Following Launch Day Delays

The launch of the Triforce-adorned Switch 2 console, tied to the release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, has turned into a logistical headache for fans. As reported by Kotaku, the situation for those who pre-ordered through Walmart has worsened on the product’s official launch day of October 29.

Following reports of widespread pre-order cancellations yesterday, many customers are now facing in-store complications. An internal memo shared by a Reddit user indicates that some Walmart locations are dealing with supply chain delays, leaving them without stock. Even at stores that have received the hardware, employees are reporting a point-of-sale block that prevents the consoles from being scanned or sold. The memo instructs workers to maintain communication with customers while these systems remain in limbo. According to the internal guidance, this sales block will persist until at least November 6, a full week past the intended launch date, to prioritize the fulfillment of pending pre-orders.

Retail employees have been directed not to override these blocks. In some instances, customers arriving at stores early in the morning have been unable to secure their units despite physical stock being present, as the system refuses to process the transaction. While customer service representatives have offered conflicting information—in some cases citing vague “store issues” and in others promising that units remain secured for pick-up—the experience has been characterized by significant uncertainty.

Why it matters

For players, this means that securing one of these special-edition consoles is becoming increasingly difficult, both online and in person. If you had a pre-order scheduled for in-store pick-up, you may encounter further delays even if your local store has the unit in its inventory, as the current retail block prevents staff from completing the sale until at least November 6.

If your order was already canceled, the current situation suggests that finding available stock in the wild will be challenging due to the supply chain constraints reported. It is worth keeping an eye on communication from your specific retail location over the coming week, as stores attempt to navigate these backend limitations. There is currently no information regarding regional stock availability outside of the reported retail issues.