Criminals stole approximately 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles in the United States during transport between Redmond, Washington, and Grapevine, Texas. They stole the cargo, valued at over $1.4 million, while the truck driver was making a stop in Colorado. So far, police have not identified those responsible.
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The crime occurred on the morning of June 8th and involved a shipment recently shipped from Nintendo of America headquarters. The consoles were to be delivered to a GameStop store. The investigation is ongoing, and the company can track the devices using their serial numbers.
Driver discovered theft during routine stop in Colorado
While making a traffic stop in Bennett Township, Arapahoe County, Colorado, the driver found the rear compartment of his truck broken into. He immediately contacted local police. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that criminals had stolen 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles from the cargo hold.
According to Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Anders Nelson, the crime likely occurred during the early morning hours. There were no eyewitnesses. The stop took place at a truck stop used for inspections and rest periods, a frequent stop on long-distance interstate routes.
Cargo departed from Nintendo headquarters and was destined for GameStop
The stolen shipment had left Nintendo of America's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, three days after the official launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. The final destination was a GameStop store in Grapevine, Texas, one of the leading video game retailers in the United States.
The entire trip was over 2,100 kilometers long, crossing several states. According to the driver, he didn't have precise information about the cargo's contents, but he knew it contained goods classified as toys or entertainment products.
Company can remotely block stolen Nintendo Switch 2s
Nintendo can track stolen consoles using individual serial numbers. Once the devices connect to the internet, the company identifies the units belonging to the stolen batch and can remotely block them, rendering them unusable for use or resale.
The company has already used this type of technology in other similar situations, mainly with high-value devices. However, tracking only occurs when buyers or receivers connect the devices to the internet. Furthermore, authorities or Nintendo itself can alert retailers who receive units with matching numbers, facilitating investigation and recovery.
Investigation does not rule out organized and planned action
Arapahoe County police are investigating whether a group with prior access to the route carried out the theft of the Nintendo Switch 2 . The criminals removed several pallets from the truck's rear compartment, indicating time and logistical expertise. The team found the vehicle with the security seal broken and some of the Nintendo Switch 2s still intact, reinforcing the suspicion that the thieves knew exactly what they were looking for.
So far, no arrests have been made. Police are analyzing security cameras near the Bennett stop and other points along the highway where the truck passed. The crime is also being investigated by federal investigators due to the high value of the cargo and the possible involvement of groups specializing in electronics theft.
