A Chinese leaker has recently stirred up the gaming community with claims about the next-gen Nintendo Switch 2. This individual, who initially shared CAD images of the much-anticipated console, now says they have a functional unit up for grabs. Allegedly, they’re trying to sell this unreleased gaming device to an accessory manufacturer for just under $40,000, according to details shared on Reddit.
These leaked CAD designs appear to have informed the creations of companies like Dbrand, even before the console’s official reveal. The resemblance between Dbrand’s products and the eventual official design adds credibility to this leaker’s story, although it’s always wise to remain skeptical until more information is confirmed.
Speaking through the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker informed a potential buyer that they could test out the Switch 2’s dock, joystick, and tablet. There’s also chatter about a new Pro controller coming soon, sparking speculation that Nintendo might be planning a successor to their existing Pro controller line.
An intriguing screenshot shared on Reddit shows private messages between the leaker and a buyer in the black market space. The hefty price tag of nearly $40,000 covers the Switch 2 dock, joy-cons, and tablet. Whether the buyer goes through with it likely hinges on potential profits. Early access to the Switch 2 could enable peripheral and case manufacturers, both official and unofficial, to jumpstart their accessory designs.
The high stakes of this black market deal suggest that our leaker might be looking to cash in significantly, especially from producers of Switch 2 flash carts or other unauthorized accessories.
In a splashy move, Nintendo unveiled a first-look trailer for the Switch 2 on YouTube, stirring even more excitement. Yet, until the console officially hits the market, there’s no practical use for a pre-release version, except perhaps to developers looking to get a head start on compatible games. As of now, official Switch 2 games will remain off store shelves until closer to the console’s launch. Still, if the operating system remains unchanged, it might tempt some to exploit its development potential in these early days.
We’re all eagerly awaiting an official release date from Nintendo. In a humorous twist, it would be rather amusing if that date is so far off that any pre-launch purchases end up feeling a bit extravagant.
