Almost 3,000 Nintendo Switch 2 units were reportedly stolen from a delivery truck en route from Nintendo of America’s headquarters to a GameStop store in Texas. The theft was discovered while the driver was still on the road in Colorado. According to Denver 7, an ABC News affiliate, the stolen consoles are valued at approximately $1.4 million.
The investigation into the theft is ongoing, and law enforcement officials have yet to pinpoint exactly where along the 1,332-mile journey the crime occurred. This uncertainty presents a challenge for investigators trying to identify those responsible. However, signs suggest the operation may not have been random — multiple pallets of Nintendo Switch 2 stock were removed from the trailer, indicating some level of coordination.
Authorities are currently exploring two main possibilities: Was this an inside job or a targeted heist tracked from Nintendo’s Redmond, Washington headquarters? Or did opportunistic thieves simply strike gold? Whoever is behind the crime could face multiple felony charges if identified and apprehended. Notably, the driver stated he was unaware that he was transporting Nintendo's latest console.
Police Ask for Public Assistance
Local police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. A dedicated tip line has been set up at 720-874-8477 for individuals to report any relevant details.
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Success
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched globally earlier this month and quickly gained momentum, selling over 3.5 million units within its first few days. Despite initial concerns about supply chain challenges, Nintendo has largely maintained steady availability of its new console. However, incidents like this theft will undoubtedly place additional strain on inventory logistics.
A History of Video Game Console Thefts
Console thefts are far from a new phenomenon. During the launch of the PlayStation 5 in 2020, Sony faced widespread thefts across the UK using a method known as the “rollover.” As reported by The Times, criminal groups executed these thefts by boxing in trucks with other vehicles while an accomplice attached to a rope climbed aboard at high speeds — sometimes reaching 50mph — and used cutting tools to break into cargo compartments.
Nintendo itself has been a past target. In 2015, an entire shipment of game stock — including copies of *Splatoon* and rare amiibo figures — was stolen in what appeared to be a coordinated effort aimed at valuable gaming merchandise.
This isn’t the first time GameStop has made headlines related to the Switch 2 either. The retailer faced backlash after damaging Switch 2 units during its midnight launch event by stapling receipts directly onto screens — a blunder that raised eyebrows across the gaming community.
