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

A bit of gaming intrigue has surfaced from a Chinese source, where a leaker has hinted at having possession of the next-gen Nintendo Switch 2, even floating the idea of selling it. Spotted via a Reddit thread, this person is reportedly offering the yet-to-be-released console to a maker of accessories for roughly $39,800.

It appears that the blueprint from the leaked CAD images has influenced manufacturers like Dbrand, who began creating accessories for the Switch 2 ahead of its official announcement. This leaker has gained a reputation as one of the more credible sources; after all, the final design shown in Nintendo’s reveal video matched perfectly with what Dbrand already showcased. Still, it’s wise to approach this news with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Communicating through the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker extended an offer to a potential buyer—inviting them to tinker with the Switch 2’s dock, joystick, and the tablet itself. Additionally, they teased that Pro controllers might be ready next week, speculating a follow-up to Nintendo’s Switch Pro controller.

A screenshot of the conversation has been shared on Reddit, revealing this secretive negotiation over the Switch 2 dock, Joycons, and tablet for a price tag of around $39,780.

So, does our would-be buyer take the financial plunge to snag an early edition of the Switch 2? The lure of launching new accessories before the console’s official release could be quite tempting. This kind of head start would be invaluable for both authorized and gray-market accessory makers.

Naturally, when we’re talking about this kind of cash exchange, it’s likely the leaker is seeking a handsome payoff from any manufacturers eager to create unofficial accessories from this sneak peek at the new hardware.

Watching the first-look trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 on YouTube piques curiosity, though there probably won’t be any games for it until closer to its launch. However, if the console comes with its pre-installed operating system, this early access could be a major advantage for software developers and those interested in potential exploits.

As we wait on pins and needles, we hope Nintendo might soon announce an official release date. Yet, there’s a bit of humor in the thought that, if that date is far down the road, our insider buyer’s clandestine deal could end up being moot.

In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reviews from Tom’s Hardware, delivered straight to your inbox.