Reports Surface of Nintendo Switch 2 Selling on Black Market for $40,000

A Chinese source has made waves by leaking CAD images of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and is now reportedly selling a working unit. This seller, operating through Reddit, claims to be offering the newest iteration of Nintendo’s console to an accessory manufacturer at the price of roughly $39,800.

Dbrand and other accessory creators seemed to have anticipated this design, aligning their pre-release Switch 2 goods with these leaked CAD files. The consistency between the leaks and the official reveal video suggests the seller might be credible. However, it’s always wise to remain skeptical about these claims.

Communicating on the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker promised potential buyers the chance to test out various components, including the Switch 2’s dock, joystick, and tablet. They even hinted that Pro controllers—possibly successors to the Switch Pro controllers—would be available as soon as next week.

Curiously, screenshots from Reddit show discussions about the cost of acquiring components like the dock, joy-cons, and tablet, with the total alleged to be nearly $39,800. Whether the leaker can entice a buyer to spend such an amount is another question entirely.

Obtaining early access to Switch 2 hardware could provide significant advantages to both legal and underground accessory developers. This opportunity might be particularly tempting, considering the potential profits from creating compatible products before the console’s official release.

Yet, in the murky world of black market dealings, the CAD design leaker will likely require substantial payment from any manufacturer interested in a head start on developing unofficial accessories.

Until Nintendo officially announces a release date, these leaks fuel further speculation. Of course, if Nintendo plans a much-delayed launch, an early acquisition of the console could end up being futile.

Gamers and developers are eagerly waiting for Nintendo to share definitive news. Nevertheless, if the release is a long way off, the premature hype surrounding this purchase could turn out to be just hot air.