Nintendo Responds to Switch 2 Leak Rumors

Summary

• In a rare move, Nintendo has commented on Genki's Switch 2 leak that came out of CES 2025.
• A company representative noted that Nintendo isn't an official participant in this year's CES, so none of the Switch 2 imagery emerging from the show can be considered official.

Nintendo has broken its usual silence on product leaks by addressing the recent images of the Switch 2 that surfaced during CES 2025. The company clarified that these images are not official, as Nintendo is not participating in the event. This statement, while seemingly obvious, marks a significant departure from Nintendo's typical policy of not commenting on leaks.

The Switch 2 has been the subject of numerous leaks since late 2024, likely due to the console's entry into mass production around that time. The latest leak involves accessory manufacturer Genki, which displayed a supposed replica of the Switch 2 at CES 2025. Images of this dummy device quickly spread across social media platforms.

In response to an inquiry from the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun, Nintendo issued a statement. "It is not official," a company representative said, specifically addressing the images and videos of Genki's Switch 2 replica. Nintendo further clarified that it is not an official participant at CES 2025, meaning any imagery related to the Switch 2 from the event cannot be considered official promotional material.

Official or Not, Genki's Nintendo Switch 2 Replica Could Be Accurate

While Nintendo did not comment on the accuracy of Genki's Switch 2 replica, the device may still be a close representation of the actual console. This belief stems from its consistency with other recent leaks and rumors. The replica is slightly larger than the original Switch and features an additional button labeled "C" positioned below the right Joy-Con's home button. The function of this new button remains a mystery.

Eddie Tsai, CEO of Genki, could not provide any details about the "C" button but did share other alleged features of the Switch 2. He claimed that the console's Joy-Cons will attach magnetically rather than using sliding rails, and that they could function similarly to a mouse—a feature that has been mentioned by other sources as well.

Nintendo has previously announced plans to unveil the Switch successor within its fiscal year 2024, ending on March 31, 2025. With only 80 days left, anticipation is high. The console is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2025 at the earliest, with rumors suggesting a retail price around $399.