Nintendo Switch 2 Allegedly Sells on Black Market for $40,000

A Chinese leaker has made waves by claiming to possess a working unit of the highly-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and is apparently looking to sell it for a cool $39,800. His prospective customer? An accessory manufacturer eager to get ahead of the game (as initially reported via Reddit).

This intriguing bit of news comes after CAD images of the new console, purportedly provided by the same leaker, began circulating. These designs have already been picked up by Dbrand and other accessory makers, who hope to prepare their products before the Switch 2 officially drops. The uncanny match between the leaked CAD images and the console’s design revealed in a promotional video has only added to the buzz, although it’s wise to stay skeptical for now.

Operating through the Xiaohongshu forums, the leaker informed a potential buyer that they could test out various components, including the Switch 2 dock, joystick, and tablet. He also hinted at the release of Pro controllers in the near future, possibly a successor to the existing Switch Pro peripheral.

A post on Reddit highlighted a conversation revealing the hefty price tags for these pre-release components. The question then arises—will the leaker find a buyer willing to shell out nearly $40,000? It could make sense for accessory manufacturers to spend big if it means gaining early access and creating products tailor-made for the new hardware.

Still, transactions like these often carry substantial financial risks. Anyone dabbling in what could be a black market transaction might demand a hefty premium from companies aiming to produce unofficial accessories or flash carts.

Given the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, this pre-release unit, if real, tempts tech companies and enthusiasts who thrive on cutting-edge technology. However, without games available until much closer to the official launch, and the added risk of dealing in unverified goods, any potential exploitation might remain minimal for now.

For Nintendo fans eager for news, the hope is for an official release date announcement soon. It would be ironic if the console’s launch was so far off that this early-access endeavor turned out to be pointless.

In the meantime, stay tuned for updates and keep an eye on credible sources for the latest developments in the world of gaming hardware.