Nintendo Responds to Alleged Switch 2 Rumors

Nintendo Responds to Switch 2 Leaks from CES 2025

Nintendo has issued an unusual statement regarding the recent flurry of Switch 2 leaks originating from CES 2025. The company confirmed that the images circulating online are not official, a straightforward declaration made noteworthy by Nintendo's generally tight-lipped approach to leaks.

The reason for this clarification is simple: Nintendo is not officially participating in CES 2025. Therefore, any Switch 2 imagery showcased at the event cannot be considered legitimate promotional material. This statement follows a pattern of Switch 2 leaks that have been emerging since late 2024, possibly due to the console's reported entry into mass production around that time.

One prominent example is accessory manufacturer Genki's display of a purported Switch 2 replica at CES. Images of this model quickly spread across social media. Responding to an inquiry from the Sankei Shimbun, Nintendo explicitly labeled these images and videos as "not official."

Genki's Replica: Accurate or Not?

While Nintendo refrained from commenting on the replica's accuracy, the device's design aligns with numerous previous leaks and rumors. The most significant visual difference compared to the original Switch is the addition of a new button below the right Joy-Con's home button, labeled "C," with an unknown function. Genki's CEO, Eddie Tsai, also mentioned other potential features, including magnetically attaching Joy-Cons and the possibility of using them as a mouse—claims corroborated by other sources.

Nintendo's previous statements suggest a Switch 2 reveal within fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31, 2025). With approximately 80 days remaining, anticipation remains high. However, a retail launch is unlikely before the second quarter of 2025, with a rumored price point around $399.