GameStop’s Staple Debacle: Damaged Switch 2 Consoles, Replacements, and a Lesson in Packaging
The much-anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 took a bizarre turn for some early buyers, after reports emerged that consoles were being handed out with punctured screens-thanks to staples.
The incident, isolated to the Forest Avenue GameStop in Staten Island, involved receipts being literally stapled to the console boxes. Unfortunately, due to Nintendo’s packaging design-where the screen is positioned face-up just under a thin layer of cardboard-some screens were damaged in the process.
GameStop has since responded with a public statement, clarifying the issue was limited to one store. “Replacements have been offered. Staplers have been confiscated,” the retailer said in a now-viral post that included a clip from the cult classic film Office Space, referencing the infamous stapler scene. Nintendo, when contacted, pointed media outlets to GameStop’s statement.
Multiple affected customers have confirmed they received replacement units quickly, with stock pulled in from nearby stores. “GameStop did right by me,” one customer told IGN. “They had more consoles shipped in and gave me a new one the same day.”
While many applauded the quick resolution, others criticized both GameStop’s handling and Nintendo’s box design. Some fans noted that even if the screen hadn’t been punctured, having a receipt stapled directly to the box would still damage the collector value-something important to many gamers.
“Even taping a receipt to the box is too much,” one user posted. “I like my boxes pristine. I reuse them when storing consoles or moving.”
As some pointed out, this wasn’t necessarily a packaging failure, but rather human error: stapling metal through a box without considering what’s inside is a recipe for disaster, regardless of how well-packaged the contents are. Others noted that different GameStop locations used alternative methods-like stapling receipts to plastic bags instead of the box-avoiding the issue altogether.
This incident sparked broader conversations about packaging standards and retailer training. While Nintendo’s box layout is similar to other electronics, the situation shows how a minor slip in procedure can lead to major PR issues. In the end, it might be time for both retailers and manufacturers to revisit best practices-before another receipt stabs a screen.