Switch 2 console may have released early on black market
Despite no official announcement yet, the Switch 2 may be out early – at least, for those who know how to get it from black market sources in certain parts of the world.
With Nintendo’s last console, the Nintendo Switch, releasing all the way back in 2017, fans have been clamoring for a Switch 2 release date for years. Previously leaked reveal dates have come and gone with new information leaking out about the console in bits and pieces. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated on X back in March 2024 that the company would announce the Switch’s successor by the end of the fiscal year. That meant March 2025, and that time is fast approaching with Nintendo yet remaining silent.
Rumors are now circulating that the Switch 2 console is already available off-market. Alongside this and all of the other hardware leaks, Nintendo may finally be ready to announce their latest console.
Switch 2 console allegedly leaked, available early in China
Even before an official announcement from Nintendo, the Switch 2 may have arrived early on the black market in China.
Apple leaker Kang confirmed that the Switch 2 “is available for trying on accessories” via the black market. While not revealing a price range, anyone looking to get early access to the console would likely have to fork over a hefty sum of money. Kang admitted in his post that he was not willing to risk legal action, but some will likely be bold enough to try.
Switch 2 hardware leaks have been pouring out in recent weeks from multiple accessory manufacturing companies. The general consensus states that fans should expect to see magnetic joycons, a new dock, and a mysterious “C” button on the console. Some companies like Dbrand and Genki have even shared exact specifications and renders, with the latter reportedly receiving a personal call from Nintendo at its CES booth.
Nintendo has not directly confirmed whether or not the Switch 2 console has leaked early in China. Speaking to Japanese news site Sankei, the company did state that none of the leaked images or videos of the console were official. Some speculate that for the notoriously tight-lipped Nintendo to say anything at all is proof that the leaked Switch 2 console content circulating is indeed real.
When will Nintendo reveal the Switch 2?
Current rumors suggest that Nintendo will be announcing the Switch 2 as early as January 16, 2025.
Reliable insider Nate the Hate shared on his podcast that he has heard that Nintendo has a Switch 2 trailer on the docket for January 16. The reveal, he clarified, will focus mainly on hardware. Further information on Switch 2 software would come later. With all of the spec leaks floating around, it isn’t surprising that Nintendo would feel the need to speak out. Journalist Tom Warren also confirmed a reveal date for the week on X.
While games aren’t on the docket for the reveal yet, fans are already expecting several launch game releases for the Switch 2. Some early games speculated include My Time at Evershine, Yooka-Replaylee, and Mario Kart 9. Nate the Hate additionally included Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a Metal Gear Solid Delta port, and a Final Fantasy 7 remake.
The wait for the Switch 2 reveal may soon finally be over. Fans will have to keep waiting to get their hands on a console for the foreseeable future. Unless, of course, they decide to risk picking up a leaked Switch 2 console through the black market in China or elsewhere.
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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