Nintendo Switch 2 Allegedly Sold on Black Market for $40,000

A Chinese leaker, who’s been causing a buzz, claims to have a working model of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 up for grabs. This mysterious figure on Reddit hints at selling the next-gen console to an accessory maker for around $39,800.

The CAD images leaked by this individual have seemingly been snapped up by companies like Dbrand to craft early Switch 2 accessories. Considering the console’s final design in the reveal matched these leaks, it’s tempting to see the leaker as credible. Still, it’s wise to remain skeptical.

Operating under the guise of the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker promises the buyer could tinker with the Switch 2’s dock, joystick, and tablet. There’s even talk of Pro controllers hitting the scene soon, suggesting an evolution of Nintendo’s official Switch Pro accessory.

On Reddit, a post reveals a screenshot of a conversation with this elusive seller, discussing the hefty $39,780 price tag for the Switch 2 dock, joycons, and tablet.

Now, the big question is whether this buyer will shell out the cash to get this unreleased hardware early. For case and peripheral manufacturers, both aboveboard and not, having access to the Switch 2 hardware ahead of time could be a game-changer, allowing them to tailor their products perfectly.

However, dealing in such amounts on the black market, it’s likely our CAD model leaker is also looking to make a significant profit from any unofficial accessory makers wanting in on early sessions with this hot-ticket item.

There’s no real reason to need a pre-release Nintendo Switch 2 unless you’re looking to sneak an advantage. Sure, games will probably shine on this new console, but they’ll likely require tweaks similar to those seen in Pro consoles. Plus, no Switch 2 games will be around until we’re much closer to the official launch. But knowing all this doesn’t stop the potential for the console to be exploited before its time, as hinted at by these developments.

We’re all waiting with bated breath for Nintendo to drop the official release date. It’d be a twist of fate if it were announced to be so distant that snagging an early model now would end up being pointless.