Photos of the real Nintendo Switch 2 are suspected to have been leaked, and netizens are hotly discussing the authenticity

Previously, we reported on the news that a Reddit netizen claimed to have obtained a real Switch machine, and the foreign media TheVerge has also verified this statement. Now the netizen named "NextHandheld" has released what he calls a photo of a real Switch 2. However, due to the small amount of information in the photos released, and the suspicion of AI rendering, the credibility of the news is currently doubtful.

First of all, "NextHandheld" has released a total of four photos of suspected real Switch 2 machines so far. They are as follows. We have numbered them one by one for later analysis.

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Photo number 1

This one is also the one with the most information. It shows the connection between the U-shaped bracket on the back of Switch2 and the Joy-Con handle on the side. There is a row of copper contacts in the middle of the connection, 13 in total. This is consistent with the previously leaked socket on the Switch2Joy-Con handle. This connection does not have a slide rail like on the Switch, which is consistent with the rumor that the Switch2Joy-Con handle uses a magnetic connection.

However, there are many problems with this photo. For example, the background looks like it was drawn by AI, and the Nintendo logo is upside down. Taking these into account, a reasonable explanation is that the real part of the photo is only the Switch2 console and the hand holding the console. The rest were enlarged and drawn using AI, and the photo was mirrored. Subsequent photos have a similar situation. "NextHandheld" may have done this to prevent identity leakage.

Mirrored photos

Photo number 2

This photo shows a corner of the Switch 2 base. You can see a suspected heat dissipation grille structure, which is not very informative.

Photo number 3

This photo shows the Switch2 Logo on the base of the Switch2. Pyoro, another well-known Nintendo whistleblower, said that this logo is the final design of the Switch2 Logo.

Photo number 4

This last photo was also the last one released by "NextHandheld". When it was released, "NextHandheld" stated that it was all drawn using AI. In fact, it can also be seen from the picture that the photo was obtained by AI enlargement of photo No. 2. Only part of it is real and has little information.

In summary, "NextHandheld" may really have a real Switch 2 machine, but perhaps considering Nintendo's legal pressure, the information he released is mixed with authenticity, and its credibility is questionable. Or alternatively, "NextHandheld" is a very good counterfeiter and creates a very realistic model and fools everyone. But no matter what, it is less than 100 days until Nintendo announces the deadline for releasing Switch 2 (March 31, 2025), and the final decision may be announced soon.