The excitement surrounding Nintendo’s new console, the Switch 2 (released June 5, 2025), has been tempered by an unsettling number of reports: shoppers are receiving consoles with cracked or punctured screens straight from the box.
📦 Staples That Puncture Screens
At a Staten Island GameStop during a midnight release, some customers discovered their brand-new Switch 2 screens marred by sharp puncture holes—caused by receipts stapled directly to the box tops. The issue, stemming from a procedural oversight, left the screens compromised before devices were even unboxed theverge.com+15theverge.com+15polygon.com+15polygon.com.
GameStop confirmed it was an isolated incident and offered replacements to affected buyers. Notably, that store removed its stapler supply to prevent future mishaps theverge.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.
📦 Across the Board Packaging Woes
According to early teardown reports and launch-day coverage, additional packaging-related problems emerged. Some customers reported damaged screens caused by carelessness during packaging or handling—either from overcrowded stores or rushed shipping practices orbispatches.com+10polygon.com+10timesofindia.indiatimes.com+10.
🧩 Beyond Staples: Dead Pixels and Mishandling
In other launch issues, a few consoles exhibited dead pixels right out of the box. Cause for concern centers on fragile LCD components, which—when boxed too tightly or mishandled—may be vulnerable. Reports mention staples, tight packaging, and other retailer errors as culprits .
🛠 Nintendo & Retailers Respond
- GameStop: Promptly offered replacements, withdrew staplers, and pledged to retrain staff in safe box handling to avoid screen damage gamesradar.com+15theverge.com+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15.
- Other retailers (Best Buy, Target, Walmart) haven’t yet acknowledged similar incidents—though sporadic complaints online suggest packaging mishandling could be more widespread .
- Nintendo hasn’t officially issued a statement—but historical policy indicates such damage isn’t covered under warranty. They recommend safe transport and, for package damage, contacting the retailer or support team .
🎯 Tips for Preventing a Broken Screen at Arrival
- Inspect the box before accepting delivery – Look for dents, punctures, or staples when shopping in-store.
- Delay unboxing if damage is visible – Take pictures and request a replacement right away.
- Support staff handling caution – Politely request that receipts be handed to you separately so no staples pierce the console.
- Know repair options – Without warranty coverage for screen damage, third-party repairs run $100–$200; DIY replacements (when skilled) may be cheaper polygon.com+2theverge.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.
Final Word
Early Switch 2 adopters are understandably thrilled—but these screen mishaps serve as a caution: Be vigilant when picking up or receiving your console. A few simple checks at the time of purchase could save you from boxed-in disappointment.
Let’s hope Nintendo and all retailers learn fast—proper packaging etiquette and secure handling could eliminate these heartbreaking launch blemishes for good.
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