Summary

• Nintendo issued a rare public statement regarding leaked Switch 2 images from CES 2025.
• The company confirmed its non-participation in CES 2025, thus declaring the circulating Switch 2 imagery unofficial.

Nintendo addressed the recent wave of Switch 2 leaks stemming from CES 2025, definitively stating that the circulating images are not official. While seemingly obvious, this statement is unusual, marking a rare instance of Nintendo publicly commenting on product leaks.

Leaks surrounding the Switch 2 have been prevalent since late 2024, possibly due to the console's reported entry into mass production. A notable example involved accessory maker Genki, which showcased a purported Switch 2 replica at CES 2025. Images of this replica quickly spread online.

In response to an inquiry from the Sankei Shimbun, Nintendo issued a statement: a company representative labeled the images and videos of Genki's replica as "not official." They further clarified their absence from CES 2025, emphasizing that no Switch 2 imagery from the event should be considered official promotional material.

Official or Not, Genki's Nintendo Switch 2 Replica Could Be Accurate

While Nintendo didn't comment on the accuracy of Genki's replica, its consistency with prior leaks and rumors suggests it might be a fairly accurate representation of the upcoming console. The most noticeable differences from the original Switch are its slightly larger size and the inclusion of an additional button. This button, resembling the left Joy-Con's capture button, is located below the right Joy-Con's home button, labeled "C," with its function currently unknown.

Genki CEO Eddie Tsai, while unaware of the "C" button's purpose, shared other purported Switch 2 details. He claimed the Joy-Cons will magnetically attach instead of using sliding rails and suggested they could function as a mouse—a possibility previously mentioned by other sources.

Nintendo previously stated (twice) that the Switch successor would be unveiled during fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31, 2025). With approximately 80 days remaining, the company still has time to fulfill this promise. A retail release isn't expected before the second quarter of 2025, with a rumored price point around $399.