We knew that the Nintendo Switch was hot, now it appears that the new console has big appeal with thieves.

US Police have reported the theft of 2,810 Nintendo Switch 2 consoles valued at approximately $2.16 million from a semi-truck trailer at a Colorado truck stop.

The driver discovered the break-in during a pre-trip inspection at Lowe’s Truck Stop in Bennett, Colorado, while transporting the consoles from Nintendo of America headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to a GameStop store in Grapevine, Texas.

The driver was unaware of the specific contents, knowing only that the trailer contained games or toys.

Investigators are seeking public assistance as it remains unclear whether the burglary occurred at the truck stop or another location during transit.

The targeted nature of the theft suggests sophisticated planning, as the perpetrators would have needed intelligence to identify the specific trailer carrying valuable Nintendo products among numerous trucks at the facility.

Each stolen console is valued at $769, representing the price of the Mario Kart World bundle version.

The standard Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5 for $699, achieving record-breaking sales of over 3.5 million units in its first four days.

Despite the successful launch and ample retail availability that prevented scalping opportunities, the theft demonstrates ongoing criminal interest in high-demand gaming hardware.

The Nintendo Switch 2’s strong market performance, surpassing its predecessor’s initial sales records, has made it an attractive target for organised theft operations.

Nintendo maintains serial number tracking for all consoles, meaning the company likely possesses records of the stolen units.

Given modern connectivity requirements, Nintendo could potentially disable stolen consoles when they connect online, creating risks for unknowing purchasers.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing Nintendo Switch 2 consoles from unofficial sellers or questionable retailers, particularly online marketplaces where stolen merchandise might surface.

Legitimate retail channels remain well-stocked due to Nintendo’s successful supply chain management.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has classified the incident as felony theft and released images of the compromised trailer to aid in the investigation.

The scale and targeting of the theft suggest a professional criminal organisation rather than opportunistic crime.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting high-value electronics shipments, particularly for newly launched consumer products that command premium prices and strong market demand.

The sophisticated nature of the operation indicates that the criminals had advanced knowledge of the shipment’s contents and route.