Nintendo Switch 2 Console Leaks Appear to Be Legitimate

Images that recently made the rounds hinting at the Nintendo Switch 2 and its docking station might have been authentic after all. Although some backgrounds in these photos appeared AI-crafted, the devices shown featured quite a few convincing elements. These included official-looking product certificates and an unusual screw type known to be preferred by Nintendo. With the flood of Switch 2 leaks increasing, it’s plausible that the device has already entered mass production, even before any official announcement.

A meticulous analysis of these recent Nintendo Switch 2 leaks suggests they could be legitimate. A thorough examination shared by an observant fan has provided more evidence supporting a mysterious insider who has been offering leaked images of Nintendo’s forthcoming console. The source, Reddit user NextHandheld, has been releasing supposed Switch 2 information since mid-December 2024. Some of the most intriguing pieces they’ve shared are several photographs said to be of the new console and its dock. However, given some oddities in these pictures, skepticism arose among fans, suspecting they might be AI-generated.

In a follow-up to these leaks, another Reddit user, RealDoodleDoop, recently offered a detailed breakdown of the images, leaning towards the likelihood that NextHandheld’s leaks could indeed be real. While some evidence of image editing was found—like the color reflections on the console not aligning with its environment—the analysis suggests that the major alterations were mostly on the background. It’s proposed that a generative AI might have created the generic workshop scene to conceal the actual setting, safeguarding the leaker’s identity.

What’s particularly interesting is how accurate some details in NextHandheld’s leaked images appear. For instance, they include tri-wing screws, an uncommon feature except within Nintendo devices. Details like these, often missed by outsiders, lend credibility to the images’ authenticity. Furthermore, measurements of the purported Switch 2 console in the photos align with some recently leaked dimensions, giving more weight to their legitimacy. Although one photo of the dock is blurry, it still includes regulatory certificates typically found on modern consumer electronics.

Nintendo has set a deadline until March 31 to announce its next console per its prior commitments. With the steady stream of Switch 2 leaks, especially those involving real-life visuals, it seems likely the console is already in mass production, positioning it potentially for a Q2 2024 debut. While this isn’t definite, it suggests the Switch 2 might be ready to hit store shelves sooner than initially expected.