Seems as Though Nintendo Forgot To Announce The Switch 2 Themselves First...
We've all seen those 'potential' console leaks before, but they usually come and go without much fanfare because of just how fake they always seem to end up being... But in a bizarre twist that feels almost unprecedented for a gaming giant, it looks as though Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 is being revealed by literally anyone but Nintendo themselves.
The latest culprit? Accessory maker Genki, who's showcasing their upcoming wares for the Switch 2 at CES 2025 in Las Vegas—all STILL without any official word from Nintendo about the console’s existence or future unveiling...
Accessory Makers Spill the Beans
At CES this week, Genki unveiled accessories designed for the Switch 2, including a docking station and a carrying case.
As most of you could probably tell by a close inspection of these pictures on the showroom floor, this is clearly a 3D printed Switch 2 and the company themselves has even gone so far as to claim this is a replica of the console. Genki is claiming the Switch 2 will be launching in April 2025.
While accessory manufacturers often get advance notice about upcoming hardware, there’s no official confirmation that this is the case here. Genki’s replica could simply be a mock-up, and their statements could be based on speculation rather than insider knowledge...
But I gotta be honest, pairing this with the leak that the joycons would be magnetic from last year and seeing this in action here leads me to believe that this is a VERY real version of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Adding fuel to the growing fire, Genki has launched their own dedicated webpage titled “NS2 Accessories” with the tagline:
“The Next Evolution in Gaming is Coming… We’re working on something extraordinary for the next handheld.”
While the marketing is certainly ambitious, it raises more questions than answers: Is Genki merely riding the hype train, or do they know something we don’t?
The Mystery Features
The rumored features of the Switch 2, as reported by Numerama, include new Joy-Cons with an optical sensor on the inside that connects to the Switch 2 itself, and an all new mysterious “C” button.
They also show off the new curved dock:
These supposed upgrades hint at innovative changes to the console’s design, but... without any confirmation from Nintendo, their actual purpose remains anyone’s guess at this point. Are these features real, or is this just another layer of speculation built on the silence from Kyoto? It seems to solid to brush off at this point, which brings me to the obvious elephant in the room question...
Where Is Nintendo?
Nintendo’s radio silence on the Switch 2 is a bit puzzling... to be kind. In an industry where the hype cycle is critical to the success of new hardware, it’s wild how a third-party manufacturer like Genki steps into the spotlight while Nintendo remains silent. Historically, Nintendo has always been methodical with their announcements, choosing to reveal their hardware on their own terms... But no - in this case - the lack of any official statement is creating a vacuum that’s being filled with rumors and unofficial (but VERY real looking) reveals.
Given the Switch’s age—nearing its eighth anniversary—and the demand for a successor, the time seems ripe for Nintendo to FINALLY officially unveil the Switch 2... Yet, here we are, with nothing from Nintendo and now accessory makers hyping the console before Nintendo can even acknowledge it exists in the first place.
Why the Silence?
There are several possibilities for Nintendo’s silence. They could be holding back for a grand reveal closer to the console’s release date, most likely during a dedicated Nintendo Direct. Another theory is that delays or internal uncertainty are preventing them from finalizing any of their announcement plans. Whatever the reason, it’s beyond odd—and frankly extremely risky—to let third parties be the ones out here controlling the narrative.
A Strange Situation
Nintendo’s approach to the Switch 2’s rollout is unlike anything I’ve seen from the company before. Accessory makers like Genki are now already capitalizing on the hype - and rumors out here running wild, the ball is in Nintendo’s court... and has been for the better part of the last few years. Will they take control of the conversation soon, or will they continue to let others fill the void?
Whatever their strategy may be, one thing's clear: The gaming world is beyond ready for the Switch 2, and Nintendo’s silence is only making the anticipation more intense—and more chaotic. who knows, with how Nintendo operates, this is probably all part of a grander marketing ploy to get everyone to start talking. I wouldn't be surprised by anything at this point. For now, all we can do is wait and watch as the rumors unfold... but in the meantime... I really need to finish Echoes of Wisdom.
~Smash
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