God, I'm livid.

So here's what happened: I pre-ordered the Nintendo Switch 2 from Amazon back on April 4th – literally weeks ago – thinking I'd be smart and get ahead of the rush. The thing costs £359.99 for the basic console, or £429.98 if you want the bundle with that exclusive Mario Kart World game (which, let's be honest, you absolutely do).

Release day was today, June 5th. My console? Nowhere to be found. Delivery date now shows Monday, June 9th. Four days late! Meanwhile, my mate Dave just walked into Asda at midnight and grabbed one off the shelf like it was a packet of crisps.

The Queue Heroes vs. The Amazon Victims

While I'm sitting here refreshing my order status like a maniac, there were people dressed as Mario characters queuing outside Currys on Oxford Street at midnight. Zac Young from Kingston was apparently first in line – good for him, honestly. At least someone's getting their hands on this thing.

The photos from the launch are actually pretty sweet. People in full costume, proper dedication. Makes me feel like an idiot for trusting Amazon's "it might not arrive on release day" warning that I completely ignored when placing my order.

Everyone's Losing Their Minds (Including Me)

I'm not alone in this mess. The hotukdeals forum is absolutely exploding with complaints. One person said: "Pre-ordered from Amazon on the 4th April. Showing delivery Monday 9th June. Cancelled and ordered for pick up straight away from Argos. Amazon seem to have messed up big time with this launch."

Smart move, honestly.

Another gamer posted: "Cancelled pre order with Amazon as was saying Saturday delivery, so thought I'd try my luck at 24 hour Asda and was plenty in stock." The fact that Asda – ASDA! – has better stock management than Amazon is just... I can't even.

The Silver Lining (Sort Of)

At least some people are getting compensation. One customer called Amazon's customer service and got offered a 5-10% discount for the inconvenience. That's like £18-36 off, which isn't terrible but doesn't fix my weekend gaming plans.

But here's the kicker – some people can't even cancel their orders now. "Amazon is saying delivery for Friday, won't let me cancel now," one frustrated customer wrote. "Disappointed as I could have walked into Argos and picked one up."

It Gets Worse

Amazon isn't even the only retailer screwing this up. Game – you know, the actual gaming specialist store – cancelled pre-orders just days before release with no explanation. No reason given! Just "sorry, your order's cancelled, good luck."

That's honestly worse than Amazon's delays.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Nintendo's expecting to sell 20 million of these consoles by the end of their financial year. Twenty million! The original Switch came out in 2017 to replace the Wii U, and we've been waiting eight years for this upgrade.

The Switch 2 has a bigger screen, brand new games, and more built-in features. It's basically everything we wanted from the original but better. And now half of us can't even get our hands on one because retailers can't manage their inventory properly.

I'm genuinely considering just driving to the nearest Currys tomorrow morning. At this point, what's the worst that could happen? At least I'd know whether I'm getting a console or not, instead of sitting here refreshing Amazon like some kind of digital stalker.

Eight years we waited for this thing. Four more days shouldn't kill me... right?

Frequently Asked Questions

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Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.

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Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

How can I start saving for retirement?

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To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

What is the role of central banks in the economy?

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What is the importance of financial literacy?

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Statistics

• As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
• As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
• The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
• According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
• As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
• A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
• A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.

External Links

consumerfinance.gov

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

finra.org

• FINRA

bankrate.com

• Bankrate

irs.gov

• Internal Revenue Service

mint.com

• Mint

nerdwallet.com

• NerdWallet

bls.gov

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

ssa.gov

• Social Security Administration

How To

How To Build an Emergency Fund Effectively

Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security. Start by determining how much you need; a common recommendation is to save three to six months' worth of living expenses. Open a separate savings account to keep your emergency funds easily accessible but separate from your regular spending. Automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking to your emergency fund. Initially, focus on small, manageable contributions, gradually increasing them as your budget allows. Avoid using this fund for non-emergencies, and replenish it after any withdrawals to maintain your financial safety net.