Rumored Nintendo Switch 2 Surfaces on Black Market for $40,000

A Chinese leaker, who recently stirred up buzz by sharing CAD images of the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, now claims to have an actual unit up for grabs. The seller, shrouded in mystery, reportedly is offering this yet-to-be-released console to an accessory-making company for the staggering price of about $39,800, as noted on Reddit.

The leaked CAD designs have been utilized by Dbrand and other accessory manufacturers gearing up before the Switch 2’s official release. The leaker comes across as a somewhat credible source since the console’s unveiled design aligns perfectly with the one Dbrand leaked. Still, it’s wise to approach this with a healthy dose of skepticism.

The leaker, known on the Xiaohongshu forums, informed an interested buyer that they could tinker with the Switch 2 dock, joystick, and tablet components. The seller additionally hinted that Pro controllers might soon be available, possibly succeeding Nintendo’s official Switch Pro accessory line.

A Reddit post even showcases a screenshot of a message exchange with the black-market seller that reveals the exorbitant costs involved with obtaining the Switch 2 components like docks, joycons, and tablets. The question now is, will this seller actually pony up the price for full pre-launch access to the Nintendo Switch 2? Their decision might hinge on the potential financial benefits from acquiring such early access. It’s no secret that having an early feel of Nintendo’s hardware could be a goldmine for accessory-makers—whether legitimate or not—allowing them to craft and design compatible accessories before the masses even see the console.

Still, crossing into the black-market territory involving hefty sums undoubtedly means our CAD design leaker will also want substantial payment from any unofficial accessory creators eager to use the hardware for their innovations.

In the grand scheme, the only motive for securing an early Nintendo Switch 2 would likely be to explore enhanced game functionalities. However, games optimized for Switch 2 are probably going to need specific Pro-console-style updates to work as intended. Yet, don’t expect these games, even as physical copies, to drop until the release date nears. But with the console potentially shipping with a default operating system, it leaves room for potential early-stage development and exploitation.

Fingers crossed, Nintendo spills the beans on an official release date soon. It would be quite ironic if they announce a date so far into the future that the lead time becomes pointless for anyone currently scrambling to invest in a pre-release buy.