Well folks, it seems like we may have some plausible Switch 2 leaks at long last. Indeed, according to various sources online (including Digital Foundry and VGC), photos and mock-ups for the console have recently been posted on a Chinese forum.
What’s more, the specs and setup seem about what you’d expect for a system like this. It’s a hybrid console like the Switch with a very similar design, except with technical capabilities closer to those available on other current gen systems. Here ist the full list of specs from the rumour:
Which translates to the following according to the Gaming Leaks and Rumours subreddit:
Shipping List Details Summary
- HGU1100: Game console itself.
- HGU1110: Left Joy-Con controller.
- HGU1120: Right Joy-Con controller.
- HGU1130: Dock.
Detailed Configuration List
- SoCl (CPU + GPU) model: GMLX30-R-A1.
- Memory model: MT62F768M64D4EK-026 (6GX2 dual channel, LPDDR5X, 7500 MT/s)
- Flash memory model: THGJFGT1E45BAILHW0 (256GB, UFS 3.1, manufactured by Kaixia, 2100 MB/s).
- Audio chip model: Ruiwu ALC5658-CG.
- NFC reader model: NXP IPN7160B1HN
- Built-in microphone model: CMB-MIC-X7.
- Dual cooling fans, model BSM0405HPJH9 and BSM0505HPJQC (copper gaming heat sink).
- Video signal conversion (DisplayPort to HDMI) must be chip model; Ruixian RTD2175N must be chip (support HDMI 2.1).
- Network chip model: Ruiming RTL8153B-VB-CG and Gigabit Ethernet chip (the base has a network cable interface).
- Microcontroller chip model: STMicroelectronics JSTM32G0OB0OCET6.
- Video game console protective case model: HGU1100 (size: 206 x 115 x 14mm, made of plastic).
- Speakers: MUSE BOX-L and MUSE BOX-R (two-channel stereo).
As well as some posts from industry figures about the leaks:
Take this with a grain of salt but apparently these are prototype images of the Nintendo Switch 2 coming from supposed Chinese factory leaks from the system entering mass production
No way to know 100% but man if this is the real thing it’ll be disappointing this got out first pic.twitter.com/B1ox0K6vMF
— Aero (@ActualAero) September 18, 2024
This is the most interesting/plausible Switch 2 leak image – looks like some rough prototype components. Why fake a mainboard? Pay attention to the small size of the battery chamber and keep expectations firmly in check on handheld performance. pic.twitter.com/M3DKSFnt3C
— Digital Foundry (@digitalfoundry) September 18, 2024
In addition to some images that seemingly show the console in question:
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- A picture of the rumoured Switch 2 console
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- The sides of the Joy-Cons for this rumoured console
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- A shot of the back of a Joy-Con for this rumoured console
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- A shot of the back of a Joy-Con for this rumoured console
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- The internal setup for this console, showing the motherboard and components
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- The back of this rumoured Switch 2 console
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- A shot of the console from the top, showing some of its ports and features
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- Another shot of the console from the top, showing its ports
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- The screens used for this rumoured console
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- The back plates/casing for this rumoured Switch 2 console
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- One of the Joy-Cons for this rumoured console
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- One of the Joy-Cons for this rumoured console
It’s a fairly expected setup all things considered, albeit one that’s currently unproven as of this point in time.
But is it real?
Well to be honest, we don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Remember, the Switch is the most successful console Nintendo has ever released, and the hybrid setup is one of the big reasons why that’s the case.
There’s no reason for it not to be kept for the new system. The best solution is a bigger and more powerful Switch.
And that’s exactly what these leaks show. They show a console which is virtually identical to the existing Switch design wise, and merely ups the technical power of the console. Kinda like the SNES to the Switch’s NES, or the 3DS to the Switch’s DS.
So, we’d believe it’s plausible. It’s a very logical setup for a new console here.
But let’s ignore our personal feelings here. We’re not Nintendo after all, and even the most obvious ideas have been ignored by the company in the past (as anyone familiar with the Wii U knows all too well). How about evidence? Well, it’s a fairly mixed bag there.
On the one hand, the X6 code displayed on these prototypes apparently matches that shown on an earlier Switch prototype, with the latest model rumoured to be X8 instead. So that could indicate the leaks are real, albeit for an earlier model.
And with both VGC and Necrolipe Brazil vouching for its legitimacy, there are some good arguments in its favour there too.
At the same time though, the person who posted the rumours has had their credibility called in question as well. There’s talk from Famiboards that the person who posted the leaks is a 3D modelling enthusiast, and that they apparently purchased the console shell from a third party for a high price. This would indicate the images could be renders, or that only the console shell was actually legitimate here.
It’s a hard one to judge objectively here. Lots of people are saying different things, and there are plausible first- and second-hand accounts vouching for and against this leak’s legitimacy.
Still, what do you think? Are these Nintendo Switch leaks real? What do you think the new console will be?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below, or on our Discord server today!
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