Reports Emerge of Nintendo Switch 2 Selling on Black Market for $40,000

A Chinese leaker stirring quite the buzz has allegedly put out CAD images of the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and is reportedly offering a functioning prototype for sale. Rumor has it (thanks to Reddit buzz) that this elusive figure is looking to offload the next-gen console to an accessory company for a staggering $39,800.

Now, about those CAD designs floating around—they’ve seemingly caught the eye of Dbrand and other makers already gearing up for the Switch 2. The leaker might just be on point, especially considering that when the official reveal video dropped, it aligned perfectly with what Dbrand and others had suggested. Still, it’s wise to view this with a sprinkle of skepticism.

Popping up over on the Xiaohongshu forums, this leaker revealed to a potential buyer that they’re free to tinker with components like the Switch 2 dock, its joystick, and the tablet itself. He even hinted that Pro controllers could be up for grabs next week, which might be Nintendo’s next step after the Switch Pro accessory.

According to a Reddit thread, this leaker shared a snap of some DMs with a would-be buyer, talking about the hefty price tag of nearly $39,800 for the dock, joycons, and the tablet. It raises the question: will this buyer actually make that big purchase to snag an early Switch 2? The answer might hinge on potential profits from this venture. Having early access to Switch 2 hardware could be a goldmine for several peripheral producers, whether they’re working above board or not.

However, dealing with that kind of cash in less-than-official circles means our CAD leaker might also be asking for a pretty penny from any flash cart or unofficial accessory makers wanting a spin with this advanced tech.

Down the line, if you think about it, most gamers won’t have a real need for a pre-release Switch 2, given its early status. Sure, games souped up for the Switch 2 may require updates akin to those seen on Pro consoles to unlock all the features. And realistically, no titles made for the Switch 2 will hit shelves, or even get leaked, until closer to its official release. The console might come with its operating system standard, opening the door to pre-launch exploits and creating space for development ahead of the timeline.

Here’s hoping Nintendo clears the air with a launch date soon. It’d be a hoot, though, if that date was so far off that our eager buyer finds his investment rather pointless by then.