The long wait for Nintendo’s next big thing might finally be nearing its end. While the Japanese gaming giant has been quieter than a Mario game without Koopa Troopas, the rumour mill is louder than a blue shell on Rainbow Road. The hot topic? The Nintendo Switch 2 may already exist—and not just in whispers, but in the hands of a few lucky insiders testing it out.

Is the Switch 2 Already Here?

Since its 2017 debut, the original Nintendo Switch has charmed millions with its hybrid gaming magic. But as time ticks on, its tech is starting to feel like it’s running on fumes compared to modern consoles (to be fair, it wasn’t state of the art when it was released but let’s not get into it). Enter the Switch 2—a potential upgrade that promises to close the gap, rumoured to pack hardware akin to a PS4 Pro with snazzy magnetic Joy-Con attachments and support for shiny new AAA titles.

Nintendo issues statement on the alleged Switch 2 leaks

"Regarding the images and videos, they are not official"

(via @Sankei_news) pic.twitter.com/ewpxFIuVTL

— Culture Crave ? (@CultureCrave) January 10, 2025

The chatter reached a fever pitch recently when Genki, a company known for Nintendo accessories, pulled a bold move at CES 2025. They showed off a Switch 2 mockup, only to have Nintendo’s legal eagles swoop in with their claws out. Genki’s CEO initially claimed they had access to a real-deal Switch 2 console, available on the “black market,” no less. Predictably, that statement was walked back faster than you can say “Cease and Desist,” but it lit the internet ablaze.

A Trusted Leaker Steps In

Adding credibility to this drama is Kang, a reliable Apple leaker with a track record sharper than Link’s Master Sword. Kang recently dropped a cryptic note on Famiboards, hinting that real Switch 2 units are already in circulation—but strictly under the radar, likely for accessory testing. On Weibo, they confessed:

“These past few days, there have been real [Nintendo Switch 2] devices available to test accessories, but I don’t dare to try.”

This aligns with Genki’s earlier boasts, suggesting their CES hiccup wasn’t just a publicity stunt. If they did get their hands on a Switch 2, no wonder Nintendo sent in the big guns.

What Else Do We Know?

Rumours suggest the console could launch with a US$400 price tag, alongside a lineup of 25 titles. A limited-edition bundle is also being whispered about, potentially headlined by a new Mario Kart game. But before you start saving your gold coins, there’s been some backpedalling on expectations. While earlier reports promised PS4 Pro-level power, more recent musings suggest the Switch 2 might not be quite so ambitious.

What Does This All Mean?

Whether Genki, Kang, or someone else really has access to the Switch 2 is still a question mark. But one thing’s clear: Nintendo’s next console is no longer a far-off dream. It’s on the horizon, hiding just out of reach for now.

The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal is most likely happening later this week according to trusted leaker NateTheHate, though it would just be a hardware reveal . The launch software reveal would be the following month -February- with the actual device coming out possibly in May or June.

What’s your take? Could accessory makers like Genki already be fiddling with the future of gaming, or is this all just clever marketing fluff? One thing’s for sure: Nintendo fans are ready for their next adventure