Some customers who reserved Nintendo’s Triforce-themed The Legend of Zelda Switch 2 console through Walmart have been told their orders are cancelled just one day before the promised delivery date.
Pre-orders marked as out of stock
The cancellation emails reportedly describe the orders as “out of stock”. That is particularly frustrating for pre-order customers, who normally reserve an allocated unit by paying ahead of release. The purpose of a pre-order is to secure stock before it reaches general sale.
One affected customer documented the cancellation in a Walmart pre-order cancellation discussion, while other buyers shared similar experiences in the Switch community.
Higher marketplace listings add to the frustration
Although the console remains listed as unavailable on Walmart’s website, another listing has been showing up for $700. That is almost $200 above the bundle’s original pre-order price. The higher figure may come from a third-party marketplace seller rather than Walmart itself, potentially reflecting resale speculation.
Past customers discussing the situation say Walmart has cancelled pre-orders for other products as well. One affected buyer described the practice as unethical, arguing that retailers should not accept more reservations than they can fulfil. They also said the cancellations prevented shoppers from buying elsewhere and cost them an opportunity to secure limited-edition merchandise.
What affected buyers can do
Customers seeking an explanation have contacted Walmart support. Reports from those conversations claim the retailer oversold its allocation and did not have enough consoles available to send to every customer. One customer said they were simply among the unlucky buyers left without a unit.
For readers tracking hard-to-find gaming hardware, RETROCADE’s arcade news and gaming coverage offers more industry updates. It is also worth comparing alternatives through the Arcade Machine Buying Guide or browsing dedicated arcade machines for a different way to enjoy classic games at home.
People affected by the cancellations are using community discussions to compare retailer advice and look for another opportunity to purchase the Zelda-themed console before the Ocarina of Time remake is scheduled to launch on November 5.
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