Update (6/6/25): Over on Twitter, GameStop has released a statement addressing the issue with staples ruining the screens of newly purchased Switch 2 units. Noting that it was isolated to one location (in this case, the Forest Avenue Staten Island store), the company posted a clip from Mike Judge’s “Office Space” where Bill Lumbergh takes Milton’s red Swingline stapler away from him and wrote, “Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated.” IGN was redirected to the tweet when it reached out to Nintendo for comment.
We’ve addressed a unique case of staples damaging Switch 2 screens—isolated to one store.
Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated. https://t.co/w6eOEDtCeK pic.twitter.com/8UUeS7mx8i
— GameStop (@gamestop) June 5, 2025
Some fans told the publication that GameStop was quick to accept the unit for replacement. Seemingly, Nintendo had sent extra units for replacement ahead of time.
In what is sure to be a devastating story for some, there have been various reports across social media of GameStop customers receiving their Nintendo Switch 2 units with staple holes in the screen due to the flimsy packaging used for the console. IGN reports that US GameStop customers found their consoles’ screens damaged by staples from receipts attached to the boxes. While stapling a receipt to the box is already kind of suspect, the real issue here is that Nintendo seemingly cheaped out on the packaging for the Switch 2 and didn’t include any real protection for the screen. The console is situated in the box with the screen face up and with no foam to shield it from impacts.
Across Twitter, a number of reports can be found from customers shopping at the Staten Island branch of GameStop. It seems management at those locations instructed employees to staple receipts to the front of the box near the top, which is where the console itself is located. As one user on Twitter writes, “My Switch 2 has staple holes in the screen.” The included pictures showcase the damage and while the consoles seemingly still turn on, nobody wants to play a device with noticeable damage to its display.
@gamestop Helo ! My switch 2 has staple holes in the screen. They stapled the receipt to the box at 1756 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303 and it damaged the screen. @NintendoAmerica pic.twitter.com/aqxPtRgNEs
— Rudeboy (@Rudeboy__NYC) June 5, 2025
IGN has reached out to both GameStop and Nintendo for comment on the story, which is still developing. The outlet has not yet heard back about any potential solutions to the problem. Other retailers don’t seem to be engaging in the same behavior, so it’s unlikely that different stores will be selling damaged consoles. For now, it seems wise to avoid GameStop if you’re looking to grab a Switch 2 in the immediate future.
More Switch 2
The Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Purchase Guide – 6/5 Launch Edition
The NSO GameCube controllers reportedly feature gyro aiming support
Leave a Comment
Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
