Splatoon Game and Amiibo Shipment Stolen in UK, Pre-Orders Cancelled

Just before Splatoon's big launch this week, a large shipment containing copies of Splatoon and its Special Edition (which includes a rare amiibo) were stolen.

Multiple customers who used the British game retail company, GAME, have gotten a mass email, claiming they'll be unable to honor Splatoon pre-orders this week. This is due to a significantly sized shipment being stolen, which contained GAME's entire stock of Splatoon. Would-be buyers are reporting that most retail stores in the UK will be out of stock for the title and GAME is cancelling its pre-orders.

Nintendo UK has provided the following statement (courtesy of NintendoLife):

We can confirm that the lorry transporting the Splatoon stock from Nintendo's European warehouse to GAME UK has been stolen. Included as part of this delivery was GAME's allocation of the Splatoon + Squid Inkling amiibo and as a result we are unable to honour pre-orders for this item in GAME. We are working with GAME to contact those customers affected. Whilst these unfortunate circumstances were out of Nintendo UK and GAME's control, we apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment that this has caused.

Here's what GAME's email said to its patrons:

We regret to inform you that the lorry transporting the Splatoon stock from Nintendo's European warehouse to GAME UK has been stolen. Included in this delivery was our allocation of the Splatoon + Squid Inkling amiibo. As a result, we are unable to honour your original pre-order due for delivery on the 29th May 2015.

Due to these extraordinary circumstances, we will unfortunately not be getting replacements for these missing items. We have no option but to substitute the Splatoon + Squid Inkling in your order with the standard version of the game. You will still receive your Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy amiibo. We will be discounting this edition by £10 from £52.99 to £42.99 to apologise for this inconvenience. We will also be sending your order by First Class post on Friday 29th May, as we want to make sure that you are happy with this substitution.

If you wish to cancel your complete order, or cancel your Splatoon game order and place an order for just the Inkling Girl or Boy amiibo (priced £14.99 each), please contact customer services on 0208 827 0099 or email us at customer.services@game.co.uk by midday Friday. If you wish to accept this substitution you do not need to contact us.

While it sucks that the entire stock was taken, we commend GAME by trying to make amends by offering a discount. Nevertheless, it looks like most gamers in the UK will be unable to get the Special Edition of Splatoon, which was the only way to get the Squid amiibo in Europe.