Reports Emerge of Nintendo Switch 2 Units Allegedly Sold on the Black Market

According to recent reports, early units of the Nintendo Switch 2 have hit the Chinese black market with an eye-watering price tag of about $40,000. What’s intriguing here is that rather than individual gamers being the primary target, it appears that the seller is more interested in tapping accessory manufacturers, who might find these units invaluable.

A well-known leaker on Xiahongshu has shared that these pre-release consoles are being offered on the black market, ahead of their official debut. Although fervent fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, the sheer cost of securing one through these channels is enough to give even the most die-hard enthusiast pause.

The revelation of the Switch 2, after a long wait and countless rumors, finally put an end to years of speculation around Nintendo’s next big release. Before its official confirmation, the internet was teeming with leaks and assumptions about everything from the console’s capabilities to its design. Despite some truth in the hearsay, Nintendo kept a tight lid on major details until they were ready to unveil it. Now, with more information expected soon, the frenzy has escalated to new heights.

New insights came from a Reddit user, Icy-ConcentrationC, who posted about a series of screenshots shared by an Xiahongshu forum leaker. These images show a seller claiming possession of Nintendo Switch 2 units, dock, Joy-Cons, and the main tablet, all being sold for an astounding price of $39,780. Interestingly, this leaker is reportedly the same individual who previously leaked the CAD design of the Switch 2 back in 2024.

The chatter on social media is buzzing with theories regarding why this seller has placed such a staggering price on the consoles—considering they have them at all. Many believe the true aim is to reach accessory makers. By getting their hands on the actual console, these companies can fine-tune their designs for cases, controllers, and screen protectors, rather than relying on speculative models or images. Such access gives them a significant market edge.

Official word from Nintendo paints a picture of a console that carries over some design elements from its predecessor, but on a larger scale and with more mature aesthetics, thanks to its sleek black color scheme. Besides beefed-up hardware, fans are also excited about the new functionalities of the Joy-Cons, which promise to bring fresh possibilities to the gaming experience.

Whether or not these black market sales are legitimate is anyone’s guess, but they certainly underscore the anticipation building around the new console. As Nintendo continues to tease out details, gamers eagerly await the next big update, likely to come in the forthcoming Nintendo Direct.