Nintendo Responds to Switch 2 Leaks from CES 2025
Nintendo has issued an uncommon statement regarding the recent flurry of Switch 2 leaks stemming from CES 2025. The company officially declared that images circulating online are not official Nintendo materials. This seemingly obvious statement is noteworthy because of Nintendo's generally tight-lipped approach to pre-release information.
The upcoming Switch 2 has been the subject of numerous leaks since late 2024, coinciding with reports of the console entering mass production. A prime example is accessory manufacturer Genki's display of a purported Switch 2 replica at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Images of this replica quickly spread across social media.
Responding to inquiries from the Sankei Shimbun, a Nintendo representative confirmed the unofficial nature of the Genki replica, emphasizing Nintendo's absence from CES 2025. Therefore, any Switch 2 imagery originating from the show cannot be considered official promotional material.
Genki's Replica: Accurate or Not?
While Nintendo refrained from commenting on the accuracy of Genki's replica, its design aligns with previous leaks and rumors. The most significant difference from the original Switch is the addition of a new button below the right Joy-Con's home button, labeled "C," with an unknown function. The replica is also slightly larger than its predecessor.
Genki CEO Eddie Tsai offered additional insights, suggesting magnetic attachment for the Joy-Cons instead of sliding rails, and the potential for the controllers to function as a mouse—a claim echoing other reports.
Nintendo's previous announcements indicated a Switch 2 reveal within fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31, 2025). With approximately 80 days remaining, the company still has time to fulfill this promise. A retail launch is not expected before the second quarter of 2025, with a rumored price point of around $399.
