A recent leak from China about the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has certainly caused quite a stir. A leaker on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu claims to have CAD images of the new console, and is offering a working unit for sale. According to a post found on Reddit, this mysterious figure is looking to sell the next-generation console to an accessory maker for the hefty sum of $39,800.
The leaked CAD designs have already caught the attention of companies like Dbrand, who, alongside other accessory manufacturers, began crafting pre-reveal Switch 2 gear based on this information. While the accuracy of these claims gained some credibility when the console’s reveal video matched the leaked designs, it’s still wise to take this news with a grain of salt.
The leaker reached out to potential buyers, offering them the chance to test out the Switch 2 dock, joystick, and tablet. There was even talk of having Pro controllers available by the following week, hinting at potential updates to Nintendo’s existing Switch Pro peripheral lineup.
On Reddit, there’s a detailed account of these exchanges, including screenshots of direct messages between the leaker and buyers on what seems to be the black market. They reveal that acquiring just the dock, joycons, and tablet would tally up to $39,780.
Whether this bold buyer will actually pay up to secure an early version of the Switch 2 remains uncertain. Accessing this hardware before its official release would undoubtedly give various accessory manufacturers a head start on crafting compatible and possibly innovative add-ons.
However, dealing with such a significant amount of cash and the complexities of the black market, it’s probable our CAD leaker would also demand a hefty fee from any unofficial accessory makers looking to benefit from this early intel.
In a playful twist, a YouTube thumbnail teases a first-look trailer for the Switch 2, adding another layer of intrigue to this unfolding saga.
The motivation behind securing a pre-release Switch 2 likely centers around the potential for exploiting or developing new features. Any enhancements specific to the Switch 2 are expected to require updates, akin to patches seen in more advanced consoles. Of course, no official Switch 2 games will hit the shelves until much closer to the official launch, but stories like this one show the console’s potential vulnerability.
Nintendo has yet to announce an official release date for the Switch 2. It would be quite ironic if that date turned out to be far enough in the future to render this lucrative early purchase obsolete.
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