Nintendo Switch 2 Allegedly Appears on Black Market Priced at $40,000

A Chinese leaker has allegedly obtained a working unit of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and is reportedly open to selling it. This intriguing tidbit surfaced on Reddit, where the anonymous seller hinted at offering the yet-to-be-released console to an accessory manufacturer for the hefty sum of around $39,800.

Reports suggest that the CAD images leaked by this individual have already informed the designs used by Dbrand and others crafting accessories for the Switch 2 in advance of its official debut. These leaked designs seem credible, especially since they align perfectly with the console’s appearance in its official announcement video. However, it’s wise to approach such leaks with caution, as nothing is confirmed until the official release.

Using the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker invited a potential buyer to test the Switch 2’s dock, joysticks, and tablet. They also mentioned the upcoming availability of Pro controllers, possibly hinting at a successor to Nintendo’s Switch Pro controllers.

Reddit buzzes with screenshots of discussions between the CAD leaker and a black market dealer, indicating that the entire setup—dock, joycons, and tablet—comes with a steep price tag. It raises the question: will the buyer take the leap and acquire this pre-release console? The decision might hinge on the potential profits from early access, which could be invaluable for case and peripheral makers aiming to develop compatible accessories ahead of time.

Engaging in such transactions isn’t without its risks, particularly on the black market. It stands to reason that the CAD leaker would expect significant compensation from any unofficial accessory manufacturer looking to get their hands on such advanced hardware.

For those keen to see the Switch 2 in action, the official first-look trailer has generated considerable excitement, setting the stage for this console’s marketplace debut.

There’s little reason for someone outside of development circles to acquire an early Switch 2, as any games optimized for it likely require patches to activate full functionality. Moreover, actual Switch 2 games won’t hit the shelves, even digitally, until closer to the launch. That said, the presence of this console might offer glimpses into new development opportunities, fueling intrigue and speculation.

Nintendo fans eagerly await the company to announce an official release date for the Switch 2. If nothing else, it’s amusing to consider if an early purchase might become moot if Nintendo plans a distant release timeline.