Why Everyone’s Talking About Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks Today

Nintendo Switch 2 talk is in overdrive after alleged prototype images of Nintendo’s next-gen console emerged online.

The unverified images — a mix of Computer-aided design (CAD) images and printed circuit board (PCB) photos — are said to have originated from a Chinese website before making their way onto Reddit. They show a device similar to the existing Switch console, but with a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Cons, which tie into previous reporting on the Switch 2. There is a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the console, too.

Nintendo is yet to comment on the images, and it’s important to note that they remain unverified at this time and may relate to an early design that has since changed significantly, but VGC was told by one source that they “match what the company has told partners to expect from its design.”

Tweets from VGC's Andy Robinson, below, include the images:

A summary of today's alleged Switch 2 images 'leak'. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Z4rfSGz4WQ— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024

(3/3) pic.twitter.com/uHApHsgxeW— Andy Robinson (@Andy_VGC) September 18, 2024

Accompanying the images is an alleged specifications list that mentions 12GB of RAM (the original Switch has 4GB), and 256GB of internal storage (the original Switch has 32GB).

Again, these images and specs remain unverified at this time. Nintendo has said on the record that it will announce its next generation console before April 2025, and indicated the console won’t launch until after its current financial year.

Still, Switch 2 excitement is at fever pitch, and we even have developers saying they plan to release their upcoming games on the console. When Switch 2 does eventually come out, Nintendo expects to have plenty of stock available, which in turn will hopefully combat scalping.

For more on what may eventually become the Switch 2, you can read everything else we know about the company’s next console.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.