New Nintendo Switch 2 leaks; Genki showcases dummy units at CES 2025

Genki showcased dummies of the unannounced Switch 2 at the recent CES 2025, giving gamers a glimpse of what to expect from the unannounced console. The dummies included leaked Switch 2 features, such as the extra “C” button. So far, Nintendo has revealed that it will announce the Switch 2 by March 31st, 2025. 

Gamers worldwide continue to anticipate the release of the second generation of the Nintendo Switch console, dubbed the Switch 2. The Japanese company is expected to launch the console in Q1 of 2025, but several leaks have popped up before its official announcement.

Genki previews dummy Switch 2 consoles  

Genki (who makes gaming accessories for the Switch and other hardware) claims the Switch 2 will launch in April. It also claims their Switch 2 mockup is based on a real Switch 2.

They also say the optical sensor on the Joy-Con is a new feature of the Switch 2 but doesn't know… pic.twitter.com/XulMOgHa7d

— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 8, 2025

Numerama reported that Genki’s stand at CES 2025 in Las Vegas showcased 2 mock-ups of the Switch 2 and videos of the console that align with previous rumors about the new console’s features.

The video evidence confirmed that Switch 2 will be bigger than Switch 1. The console’s Joy-Con was also confirmed to be magnetic, and a new button to unplug them was included. Genki, the console accessor maker, stated that their mock-ups were based on the actual console, which also featured colored joysticks. 

Switch 2’s most recently discussed features were displayed in Genki’s mock-ups. The new optical sensor was visible next to the left Joy-Con. Genki confirmed the new feature’s existence on the Switch 2, adding that they have not been able to test it on compatible games.

The new console also features a new “C” button. Genki confirmed that they were unaware of what the button would be used for. The new “C” button is positioned next to the Joy-Con and a type-C USB port is on its top side. 

Other parties at the event stated that the console would be backward compatible. However, despite the leaks, Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about its upcoming console. The Japanese video game company only gave gamers a broad statement promising a Switch 2-related announcement by March 31st, 2025. Conversely, Genki claimed that the Switch 2 will be launched in April 2025.

The game accessory maker also revealed that the Switch 2 was up for grabs on the black market “if you put up the money.” Genki claimed that its molds were designed using the actual and not 3-D blueprints. The information was confirmed by other brands at the CES 2025 event. However, none of the parties provided information about the software running on the upcoming Nintendo console. 

Gamers react to CES 2025 leaks and Nintendo’s silence

After CES 2025, many gamers had something to say about the leaks and the new features included in the Switch 2. A section of gamers labeled the Switch 2 “the worst-kept secret in gaming history” due to the extensive leaks over the last few months. Features such as the new optical sensor have been topics of gamer speculation over the last few days. Some gamers also discussed the leaked official announcement date, stating that Nintendo was slow to act and publicize Switch 2 console information. 

Most of these gamers said that Nintendo should confirm whether the console will be released on the leaked date. Some gamers argued that the April release is “too soon” and that Nintendo would have already announced the console by December 2024.

Gamers also speculated on Nintendo’s silence and inaction about the leaks. Some gamers stated that they expected the Japanese video game company to take legal action against individuals and companies involved in the leaks.

Other gamers stated that since companies such as Genki are not contracted to Nintendo, they haven’t breached any laws by leaking the new console’s information. Nintendo has yet to address the leaks, as most gamers say they eagerly anticipate the Switch 2’s launch.

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