Images that recently emerged claiming to show the new Switch 2 and its docking unit might actually be genuine. While the photos seemed to have backgrounds created by AI, the devices depicted possess many realistic features, including authentic-looking product certifications and an unusual type of screw that Nintendo often uses.
With the increasing number of leaks regarding the Switch 2, it’s quite possible that this unannounced gadget has already entered the mass production phase.
—
A meticulous analysis has stirred up buzz about the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, leading many to believe they could be real. A keen-eyed enthusiast dissected the details of these leaks, lending credibility to a mysterious online source that has been sharing what are thought to be images of Nintendo’s upcoming console.
The origin of these leaks can be traced back to a Reddit user, NextHandheld, who has been sharing supposed details about the Switch 2 since mid-December 2024. Among the most noteworthy of these shares are several images claimed to show the new console and its dock. However, some fans found these photos suspicious, alleging that their oddities are signs of AI creation.
—
In response to these speculations, Redditor RealDoodleDoop conducted a thorough analysis of the images, suggesting that NextHandheld’s leaks might, in fact, be legitimate. They identified signs of image editing, such as mismatched reflections on the console’s surface compared to its surroundings. Still, they concluded that the primary alterations involved generating an indistinct workshop as the photo backdrop using a form of AI, likely to obscure the genuine setting and protect the anonymity of the leaker.
—
### A Close Look at NextHandheld’s Switch 2 Leak Details
There’s even a chance that the hand visible in the photos is AI-generated, especially since one picture shows the person sporting a wristwatch over a sleeve—a rather quirky style choice. Putting aside these environmental curiosities, RealDoodleDoop observed that the images boast certain accurate details, such as featuring tri-wing screws. This particular type of screw isn’t commonly found in mass-produced electronics outside of Nintendo devices like the Switch and Wii U.
Further, the dimensions of the leaked Switch 2 console align with the device showcased in NextHandheld’s pictures, at least as approximated through Photoshop. The dock shown, though blurry, displays regulatory certification labels expected on modern consumer electronics.
Nintendo has set a deadline until March 31 to officially introduce its next console, as previously mentioned. Given the emerging flow of leaks about the Switch 2, including what appear to be actual photographs of the device, it’s plausible that production has already commenced. Consequently, a release as early as the second quarter of 2024 might be on the table, although that’s likely the earliest time we could expect the Switch 2 to grace store shelves.
—
Nintendo, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is renowned for creating enduring video game franchises and popular hardware consoles like the Switch. From Super Mario to The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo’s legacy in gaming is unmatched, enriching the media landscape with unforgettable characters and adventures.