Nintendo Offers Replacements for Damaged Switch 2 Consoles, References GameStop's Office Space Stapler Joke

Nintendo and GameStop have responded to a reported issue surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, where some customers received consoles with damaged screens. The problem reportedly occurred at a GameStop location on Staten Island, where employees used staples to attach receipts directly to the Switch 2 packaging—unfortunately piercing through the box and damaging the screen of the console inside.

Affected customers who attended the midnight launch at the Forest Avenue branch discovered the damage only after opening their new consoles. Some fans expressed frustration over the method of attaching receipts, while others criticized the design of the Switch 2’s packaging, which places the console face-up against a thin cardboard surface—leaving the screen vulnerable.

“It was a weird decision by Nintendo to have the screen sit face-side-up at the very top of the box with only the thin cardboard to protect it,” one fan noted on social media. “You're going to hear about a few damaged screens in the coming days. They are at risk just being stacked in shipping.”

In response, GameStop issued a statement clarifying that the incident was isolated to one store and that replacements were being offered immediately. Employees at the affected location had reportedly stapled receipts onto the boxes, unintentionally causing damage to dozens of units. As part of the resolution, GameStop began sourcing replacement consoles from nearby locations to ensure impacted customers could still enjoy their new systems.

GameStop's Official Response

The retailer posted a short but clear message on social media addressing the situation:

We’ve addressed a unique case of staples damaging Switch 2 screens — isolated to one store. Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated.

Alongside the post, GameStop shared a clip from the 1999 comedy *Office Space*, showing a scene where a boss confiscates an employee's stapler—adding a bit of humor to the otherwise frustrating situation.

Consumer Feedback and Packaging Concerns

While many praised GameStop for acting quickly to replace damaged consoles, concerns remain about potential packaging flaws and whether other retailers might make similar mistakes. IGN reached out to both Nintendo and GameStop for further clarification on whether other stores have been alerted to avoid using staples and if packaging changes are being considered to better protect the consoles during retail handling.

One customer told IGN, “GameStop did right by me. They traded it in for a new system. They must have sent a shipment of Switch 2s to that location today to fix the staple problem.” Another confirmed they received a replacement and was informed that GameStop swiftly pulled spare units from neighboring stores to resolve the issue.

Final Thoughts

Although this particular incident appears to be limited to one location, it raises important questions about retail practices and product packaging safety. Gamers hope that both Nintendo and major retailers like GameStop will take this as a learning opportunity to prevent future mishaps—whether through improved packaging or updated handling guidelines.