$1.4M Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles Stolen in GameStop Truck Heist

Nearly 3,000 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles have been stolen from a transport truck en route from Nintendo of America’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to a GameStop distribution center in Texas. The theft, discovered during the driver’s journey through Colorado, involved a significant portion of the high-demand console shipment, with an estimated value of $1.4 million, according to local ABC News affiliate Denver 7.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident but have not yet determined the exact location of the theft along the 1,332-mile route. The fact that multiple pallets were reportedly moved from the trailer suggests the heist may have been a coordinated effort rather than a random act. Investigators are exploring whether the truck was tracked and targeted from its point of origin or if the theft occurred opportunistically.

The driver, who claimed he was unaware he was transporting Switch 2 units, has cooperated with law enforcement. If apprehended, the suspects could face multiple felony charges related to grand theft and interstate cargo crime.

The outside of the truck containing Switch 2 consoles. Image credit: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.The inside of the truck showing open pallets of Switch 2 consoles. Image credit: Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Local police are urging anyone with information to come forward and have established a dedicated tip line at 720-874-8477.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched globally earlier this month and quickly sold 3.5 million units within its first few days, marking a strong market debut. Despite initial concerns about supply constraints, Nintendo had maintained steady availability—until this incident. The theft could potentially disrupt regional stock levels and impact consumer access.

This is not the first time video game hardware has become a target for theft. In 2020, during the PlayStation 5 launch, UK criminal gangs used a dangerous method known as the “rollover” technique—using accomplice vehicles to box in delivery trucks while a thief, attached to a rope, climbed onto the moving vehicle and cut into the trailer at speeds up to 50mph. Similar high-value tech thefts have been reported over the years.

Nintendo itself has been a previous target. In 2015, an entire shipment of Splatoon game copies and rare amiibo figures was stolen under similar circumstances.

This latest incident also adds to a series of negative headlines involving GameStop and the Switch 2 launch. The retail giant recently faced widespread backlash for damaging consoles during its midnight release event by stapling receipts directly into the device screens.

Authorities continue to investigate and monitor resale platforms for signs of the stolen units.