Next-Gen Nintendo Switch Allegedly Appears on Black Market with $40,000 Price Tag

There’s been a buzz in the gaming community, thanks to a Chinese leaker who supposedly has a working unit of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 up for grabs. This mysterious seller has sparked a lot of interest, especially after posting CAD images of the new console on Reddit. The word is that they’ve pitched this unreleased device to an accessory manufacturer for a cool $39,800.

The CAD designs align perfectly with what companies like Dbrand and other accessory markers have been using to prep for the Switch 2’s big reveal. This alignment lends some credibility to our leaker friend, considering the final design seen in the official reveal matched those initial leaks to a tee. Even with this evidence, though, it’s wise to approach this info with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Active on the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker promised a potential buyer the chance to try out the Switch 2’s dock, joystick, and tablet components. They’ve even hinted that Pro controllers might hit the scene soon, which could signal Nintendo’s next big move in enhancing its Pro accessory line-up.

On Reddit, there’s a chatter about these dealings, showing messages where prices are laid out for various Switch 2 components. It’s an interesting peek into how black market transactions shape up. The big question is whether the buyer will make this significant investment in the pre-release Switch 2. For some, early access to the hardware might be just the edge they need to create bespoke cases and peripherals, officially or otherwise.

With such hefty amounts exchanging hands in the black market, our leaker is probably expecting a substantial payday, especially if accessory manufacturers are keen on an early access advantage. A glimpse at this hardware could serve as a goldmine for those looking to capitalize on the next-gen console’s potential.

As for games tailored for the Switch 2, they will likely demand certain updates to extract full performance benefits, similar to Pro console enhancements. Yet, no games are expected to drop until much closer to the console’s official launch, limiting what can be done until then. Still, this doesn’t stop the speculation and interest from running high, as potential developers and hackers consider what doors might open once the console is out in the wild.

We’re all eagerly awaiting an official release date from Nintendo. It’s entertaining to imagine that by the time they announce it, this early attempt to get a Switch 2 could become totally moot if the real launch is much further down the road. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for updates—this leak saga is far from over!