Nintendo Switch 2 Prototypes Reportedly Sell for $40,000 on Chinese Black Market
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Published on: February 14, 2025
Description
Recent reports indicate that early prototype units of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console have surfaced on the Chinese black market, with asking prices as high as $40,000 USD.
These claims, recently highlighted on the Switch 2 subreddit and corroborated by technology outlet wccftech, suggest a thriving underground demand for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware ahead of its official release.
The source of the leak is allegedly tied to a forum user from Xiahongshu—a well-known Chinese social media and commerce platform—who previously made headlines in 2024 by leaking CAD renders of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Accompanying screenshots depict blurred conversations between this leaker and prospective black market buyers, lending some visual evidence to the claims, though full details remain obscured.
The rationale behind such exorbitant prices on the black market appears to extend beyond simple early access.
According to discussions surrounding the leak, accessory manufacturers may be interested in obtaining actual Switch 2 hardware to test and refine their products in anticipation of the official launch.
While developing accessories using technical specifications is common practice, early access to real hardware provides manufacturers with a tangible advantage, enabling more robust compatibility and faster time-to-market for their devices once the Nintendo Switch 2 is formally released.
With new Nintendo consoles historically generating significant pre-release speculation and leak activity, the reported situation aligns with patterns seen ahead of previous hardware launches, including the original Nintendo Switch in 2017.
Notably, the current Switch has sold over 139 million units worldwide as of early 2024, demonstrating massive consumer demand for the company’s hybrid console line, and raising the stakes for accessory makers.
Nintendo, as a company, is well-known for tightly controlling information about its unreleased products, officially unveiling new hardware through highly orchestrated channels such as Nintendo Direct presentations and the Nintendo eShop.
Neither Nintendo nor its partner accessory manufacturers have issued statements about these particular black market reports, and details remain unconfirmed by the company at this time.
As the gaming industry anticipates any upcoming Nintendo Direct that might shed light on the Nintendo Switch 2’s release date, features, or pricing, security around prototype units and software is likely to remain a high priority for Nintendo.
Fans and industry insiders are advised to keep watch on official sources for credible updates, steering clear of unverified rumors and unauthorized products that surface ahead of launch.
