It appears that some individuals have managed to obtain a Nintendo Switch 2 console ahead of its official release, despite Nintendo's efforts to prevent leaks. However, these early units are reportedly unusable without a day-one patch, and any video evidence of the console has been swiftly removed due to copyright claims.
An eight-second YouTube video, initially viewed by IGN but later taken down due to a copyright strike, was uploaded by user Ali Almarzooqi. The video purportedly showed the unboxing of a Nintendo Switch 2, revealing the console encased in plastic. The authenticity of the video remains unconfirmed, but the rapid response from the anti-piracy firm Web Capio suggests it may be legitimate. According to the poster, the console requires a launch day update to function, which they expect to be available on June 5th:
"Nintendo locked the switch 2 it needs update to function so I am waiting for June 5th to unlock it" https://t.co/vNT0AHHX3F pic.twitter.com/gNwJL8JhPT
— Wario64 (@Wario64) May 27, 2025
Further corroborating these claims, popular deals poster Wario64 mentioned that another individual contacted them with photos of a Nintendo Switch 2. This person also encountered a message when attempting to play a Switch 1 game, prompting them to update the system.
While these could be sophisticated fakes, the truth may soon come to light if either owner performs a full unboxing or displays the system message requiring an update. Until then, these glimpses might be the only early looks we get at Nintendo's new console.
As we await the official release on June 5th, we continue to rely on information directly from Nintendo to understand the full Nintendo Switch 2 experience. So far, we've had the opportunity to play Mario Kart World on the new system, and recent updates have provided details on performance upgrades for Switch 1 games, variable refresh rate support, and the GameChat feature, which will require phone number verification. Despite the rapid sell-out of pre-orders last month, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser assures that there will be sufficient stock to meet demand during the holiday season.
