Nintendo Switch 2 Allegedly Surfaces on Black Market with $40,000 Price Tag

A Chinese leaker who previously shared CAD images of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 now claims to have an actual working unit up for grabs. According to posts circulated on Reddit, this elusive figure is offering this next-gen console to an accessory manufacturer for the hefty sum of around $39,800.

The leaked CAD designs seemed to have provided a blueprint for companies like Dbrand and other accessory makers, even before the Switch 2 was officially unveiled. The veracity of the leaker seemed solid when the official reveal showed a console design that matched the Dbrand-backed leaks. But, as with any leak, it’s wise to remain skeptical until official confirmation rolls in.

On Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker mentioned to a prospective buyer that they could test the console’s dock, joystick, and tablet. This individual also hinted at the possible release of Pro controllers next week, suggesting they might be Nintendo’s upgraded answer to its current Switch Pro controllers.

A snippet from a Reddit conversation showed a screenshot of a discussion with a black market dealer, who offered the entire setup— dock, joy-cons, and the tablet—for $39,780. The question remains: will this interested party shell out such an amount for exclusive early access to the Switch 2? The answer might lie in the financial benefits they foresee. Getting a sneak peek into the Switch 2 could be invaluable for manufacturers eager to create tailored accessories, legitimate or otherwise.

Engaging in such expensive dealings through unofficial channels, it’s likely the CAD leaker would demand substantial payment from any accessory manufacturer looking to capitalize on this exclusive hardware preview.

After all, the primary appeal of getting a pre-release Nintendo Switch 2 lies in its untapped potential. Games optimized for the new console might require certain enhancements or patches to unlock improved features. Yet, actual games custom-made for the Switch 2 will probably stay under wraps until we edge closer to the official launch. Interestingly, if the upcoming console uses a similar operating system, it opens doors for possible pre-launch exploits and developments, making this whole scenario quite intriguing.

While we wait on tenterhooks for Nintendo to announce a definite release date, it would be a real twist if that launch window turns out to be so distant that this eager purchase ends up being pointless.

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