Criminals stole approximately 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 units in the United States during transport between Redmond, Washington, and Grapevine, Texas. They took the cargo, valued at over US$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 that had just left Nintendo of America's headquarters. The consoles were to be delivered to a GameStop store. The investigation is ongoing, and the company may be able to track the devices through their serial numbers.
Driver discovered theft during routine stop in Colorado
While making a technical stop in the municipality of Bennett, in Arapahoe County, Colorado, the driver found the rear compartment of the truck had been broken into. He immediately contacted the local police. Upon arriving at the scene, officers confirmed that criminals had stolen 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles from the cargo.
According to Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Anders Nelson, the crime likely occurred in the early morning hours. There were no eyewitnesses. The stop occurred at a truck stop used for inspections and rest, a frequent stop on long-distance interstate routes.
The shipment 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 5th. Its final destination was a GameStop store in Grapevine, Texas, one of the leading video game retailers in the United States.
The entire journey covered over 2,100 kilometers, crossing several states. According to the driver, he did not have precise information about the contents of the cargo, but he knew it consisted of goods classified as toys or entertainment products.
Company can remotely block stolen Nintendo Switch 2 devices
Nintendo is able to track stolen consoles using their individual serial numbers. As soon as 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 recipients connect the devices to the internet. Furthermore, authorities or Nintendo itself can alert retail companies that receive units with matching serial numbers, which facilitates investigation and recovery of the shipment.
The 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 shipment of Nintendo Switch 2 . The criminals removed several pallets from the truck's rear compartment, indicating timely action and logistical knowledge. The team found the vehicle with the security seal broken and some of the Nintendo Switch 2 consoles 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 camera footage from the vicinity of the rest stop in Bennett and other points along the highway where the truck passed. The crime is also being investigated by federal agents due to the high value of the cargo and the possible involvement of groups specializing in electronics theft.