Summary
ANintendo Switch 2console may have been illegally smuggled out of a manufacturing facility in China. Since the release of the gaming giant’s first modern console, it’s been a long eight-year wait for many Nintendo fans, but with the launch of the hugely anticipated second iteration approaching fast, the wait is almost over. TheNintendo Switch 2is slated for release on June 5, but it seems one person couldn’t bear it any longer and allegedly stole a console right off the production line.
While the console won’t be on shelves until June,Switch 2 U.S. pre-sale orders will open on April 24. Originally, Nintendo planned to start on April 9, but after the sweeping tariffs brought in by the Trump administration, the company decided to push it back so it had time to assess the impact they would have on the upcoming console. With the immense hype surrounding the Switch 2, many fans will have the pre-sale and release dates penciled in, and one individual may have even taken matters into their own hands and grabbed one illegally.
A recent video posted on theChinese social media platform BiliBilihas been doing the rounds, showing off what appears to be a Nintendo Switch 2 console running quality control software. The video displays options like charge battery, launch aging test, reboot, and shutdown, which point to the unit being installed with quality control software that is used before the final retail firmware is installed. It also shows a person trying to attach and disconnect the Joy-Con from the console. Nintendo has yet to comment on the video or verify its validity.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reportedly Stolen Before Upcoming Launch Date
Some of the newfeatures set to be included on the Switch 2 Joy-Con, which is shown in the video, have already been released, including its magnetic attachment, which locks it in place seamlessly, and the mysterious C button that will be used for GameChat. The presence of the new Joy-Con in the video suggests that at least this part of the console is likely genuine.
On top of the Joy-Con, Nintendo has also announced theupdated pricing for the Switch 2, which is set to retail for $449.99, or $499.99 for theMario Kart WorldBundle.Mario Kart Worldwill go for $79.99, with gamers who opt for the bundle knocking $30 off the total price tag.
Mario Kart Worldis just one of manygames confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, including the latest entry in the long-runningDKfranchise,Donkey Kong Bonanza. The video doesn’t show any actual gameplay, as that would likely entail the individual getting their hands on an unreleased game in addition to allegedly stealing the console itself. It remains to be seen if the video is authentic, but if it turns out to be true, there will surely be some jealous Nintendo fans out there.
