Nintendo Responds to CES 2025 Switch 2 Leaks: "Not Official"
Nintendo has issued an uncommon statement regarding the recent flurry of Nintendo Switch 2 leaks stemming from CES 2025. A company representative confirmed that the images circulating online are not official Nintendo materials. This declaration, while seemingly obvious, marks a rare public acknowledgment of product leaks by the typically tight-lipped company.
The Switch 2 has been the subject of numerous leaks since late 2024, coinciding with reports of the console entering mass production. A notable leak occurred when accessory manufacturer Genki displayed a purported Switch 2 replica at CES 2025. Images of this model quickly spread across social media.
In response to an inquiry from the Sankei Shimbun, Nintendo officially stated that the images and videos of Genki's replica are "not official." The company emphasized its non-participation in CES 2025, thereby clarifying that any Switch 2 imagery originating from the event lacks official endorsement.
Genki's Replica: Accurate or Not?
While Nintendo refrained from commenting on the accuracy of Genki's replica, the model aligns with previous leaks and rumors. The most significant difference from the original Switch is the inclusion of an extra button, resembling the capture button on the left Joy-Con, located below the right Joy-Con's home button and labeled "C." Its function remains unknown.
Genki CEO Eddie Tsai, while unable to shed light on the "C" button, offered additional details, suggesting magnetic attachment for the Joy-Cons instead of the sliding rails of the original Switch. He also reiterated claims from other sources that the controllers could function as a mouse.
Nintendo's previous announcements indicated a Switch 2 reveal within fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31, 2025). With approximately 80 days remaining, the company still has time to fulfill this promise. Retail availability is anticipated no earlier than the second quarter of 2025, with a rumored price point around $399.
