The buzz around the Nintendo Switch 2 reached new heights at CES 2025, thanks to Genki's unveiling of a 3D-printed mockup. This tech company, renowned for its handheld gaming accessories like the PocketPro game controller, brought an exciting glimpse into the future of gaming consoles. Behind closed doors at CES, attendees got a hands-on look at what might be the next big thing in portable gaming. The mockup, crafted from a Switch 2 allegedly obtained on the black market, boasts dimensions that hint at a size closer to Valve's Steam Deck, suggesting a beefier, yet still portable, gaming experience.

Genki's CEO, Eddie Tsai, shed light on some of the innovative features during an interview with The Verge. One of the standout features is the magnetic Joy-Con, a departure from the current Switch's sliding rails. These new Joy-Con attach magnetically to the console, with the SL and SR buttons being key to this new design. A large button on each Joy-Con releases a pin to break the magnetic connection, ensuring a secure yet easily detachable fit. Tsai emphasized that despite the change to magnets, the Joy-Con remain firmly in place during gameplay.

Genki Shares Additional Details About the Switch 2

Further intriguing details about the Switch 2 were revealed by Tsai. The Joy-Con's "mounting channel" now includes an optical sensor, hinting at potential new functionalities. Leaked images of the Switch 2 online seem to support this, showcasing what appear to be optical sensors on the Joy-Con. This could mean new ways to interact with games, perhaps using the Joy-Con as a mouse-like device through an attachment that connects via the magnetic SL and SR buttons.

Despite its larger footprint, the Switch 2 maintains a slim profile that fits into the current Switch dock. However, Tsai noted that specific indentations on the new console mean it won't be compatible with the existing dock. This suggests Nintendo may be planning a new docking solution for the Switch 2. The mysterious "C" button and an additional USB-C port also caught Genki's attention, though their purposes remain a mystery for now.

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