Nintendo Switch 2 leaks: Are they really legit?
With new Nintendo Switch 2 information coming out what feels like daily at this point, which leaks are actually credible?
Nintendo’s Switch is one of the most successful consoles of all time and may cement itself as the definitive most successful console ever in the next few years. It’s no surprise then, that fans have been eagerly awaiting to see what its successor would look like. Though suspected release dates and reveal windows have come and gone, more information seems to have come out about the Switch 2 with varying levels of truthfulness. December 2024 saw a particularly heavy rate of leaks, many of which seem to be credible.
There’s a lot of information to parse through to figure out what’s happening with the Switch 2. Here are all of the major recent leaks, what they show, and who’s vouching for them.
Switch 2 leaks show new kickstand, three new buttons on Joy-Cons
Many of the newest leaks have overlapping and consistent details regarding changes between the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Others add a new piece to the puzzle.
Several leaks have come through from multiple peripheral manufacturers, with each showing similar changes to the hardware. Alongside this, posts on Reddit purportedly show that the Switch 2 may have a number of new features to set it apart from the Switch. Although nothing is confirmed by Nintendo, fans may be able to look forward to seeing the following agreed upon changes:
- 8-inch LCD screen and larger size
- Side-locking Joy-Cons with magnetized connectors
- A new C button
- Two USB-C ports
- U-shaped kickstand
- A new dock
- Multiple SKUs at launch
One of the many unsolved mysteries of the Switch 2 is the C button. Current 3D models and promotional images from peripheral manufacturers show a square-shaped button labeled “C” on the right Joy-Con. This is notably not present on the original Switch. Theories regarding the changes have been wide-ranging, including the button replacing the left Joy-Con’s capture button, serving as a camera-changing option, or perhaps something related to chat functionality.
Another new feature is back buttons on either Joy-Con. These buttons are perpendicular to the triggers and may serve as paddle buttons.
Fans have suspected for a while that when the Switch 2 released, it would have several SKUs or versions coming out. While there were initially questions regarding major differences, particularly separate digital and physical versions, the leaks are instead pointing to different colors, similar to the original Switch. Interestingly, the Reddit leaker suggests there will be a special edition Switch 2 will be themed around the number 9.
Are the Switch 2 leaks real?
Multiple leaks regarding the Switch 2 have come from established accessory manufacturing companies, not just random individuals on social media. Alongside these are content creators who claim to have seen or received mock-ups of the Switch 2, with their claims being corroborated by gaming and tech media.
Although the leaks are coming from numerous sources, there seems to be a general consensus around the console’s features. Some Nintendo and Nintendo hardware-specific creators are reporting receiving 3D Switch 2 mockups from different case manufacturers, including Involver. Other companies or insiders have just taken to leaking content directly through social media and online forums.
Case manufacturing company Dbrand and CEO Adam Ijaz specifically has provided a wealth of information about the Switch 2. These include specific measurements and images of the new console inside of his company’s own peripherals. Though bold, this is not the first time Dbrand had challenged Nintendo directly. On at least two different occasions, it has slightly changed IP-protected designs to make its own themed cases. Peripheral manufacturers in around the world have taken to posting their upcoming products, which have all seemingly agreed on what new changes should be expected.
Despite all of the leaks, fans are still waiting for Nintendo to officially reveal the Switch 2. It’s possible that these leaks may prompt the company to release the news earlier than expected. Still, anyone who knows Nintendo knows that it will sit on the Switch 2 until it’s ready.
There are few things that writer M Alzamora loves more in life than Pokemon. And there are even fewer things that she loves more than her favorite Pokemon, Eevee. But M’s appreciation for gaming isn’t just limited to Nintendo’s famous pocket monsters. She’s interested in every type of game across every genre of gaming, and she has the credentials to prove it. M’s work has also been seen on Working Classicists and gaming sites.
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