A week full of Nintendo Switch 2 leaks has culminated in what many are calling the potential reveal of the console’s final design. Accessory maker Dbrand, known for its controversial promotional tactics, recently launched a product page for what it refers to as the "Switch 2 Killswitch" carrying case. The product, which features an animated image showing what appears to be the new console, has attracted significant attention and speculation about its accuracy.
Confirming the buzz, Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz stated to Insider Gaming, "That is correct: it is the Switch 2 with our Killswitch case on it." This proclamation is particularly intriguing as it aligns with previous reports and leaks surrounding the anticipated next-gen console. Images shared by Dbrand bear notable similarities to those seen earlier this week from YouTuber SwitchUp, who received 3D-printed mockups of the new device—which seem to corroborate Dbrand's claims.
Some exciting changes seem to be on the horizon for the Switch 2. According to sources, the new device is expected to include features like a significantly larger display—rumored to be around 8 inches—along with new buttons on the Joy-Con controllers. There is talk of (gasp!) a new button on the right Joy-Con, positioned beneath the existing Home button. This marks yet another indication of exciting advancements fans might expect from this next generation of Nintendo hardware.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Dbrand has played the role of leak and rumor catalyst. Their activities have sparked controversy before, evident when they released unofficial skins to coincide with Nintendo's highly anticipated limited-edition Tears of the Kingdom OLED model. Dbrand's motivations may well lie both with the clamor for the Switch 2 and their reputation for stirring the pot. But can we trust their claims? Might this all just be speculative marketing to garner attention?
The speculation surrounding these leaks is heightened by the fact Nintendo has confirmed it plans to announce its next console by March 31, 2025. Consequently, fans are eagerly dissecting every piece of information like it’s the Rosetta Stone of gaming. Nintendo's last major hardware release, the original Switch, debuted near the start of 2017, and with eight years of service now under its belt, anticipation has reached fever pitch.
While the Nintendo Switch has been lauded for its versatility as both a handheld and docked console, its eighth year has left many without clarity on what to expect next. To gain insight, many have turned to third-party accessory manufacturers like Dbrand, delving deep for clues about the Switch 2’s design and features.
Further elaboration from Ijaz suggested Dbrand has intimate knowledge of the Switch 2's dimensions based on real hardware scans, as he indicated the console will be larger than the current Switch OLED. "The Switch 2 will measure 270mm wide, 116mm tall, and 14mm thick," he stated, contrasting it with the Switch OLED's 242mm width, 102mm height, and 13.9mm thickness.
Ijaz has even gone on record about the devices' supposed magnetic detachable Joy-Con connections. He reiterated how the new console maintains the removable Joy-Cons—a feature fans have loved—but with new enhancements and improvements. Speculating on design complexity, Ijaz noted the kickstand could measure roughly half the console’s height, allowing for easier tabletop play.
The Dbrand Killswitch case page raises eyebrows not only for the product but also for what it hints at—the addition of what appears to be not just any button, but one marked “C” located beneath the Home button. Ijaz candidly admitted to Gamer Insider, “I have no idea what it’s for,” leaving gamers to speculate its purpose. But what could it be? A new control functionality? An additional input for gameplay mechanics? Or perhaps it has roots tracing back to Nintendo's legacy of innovation.
Dbrand isn't alone; similar rumors have emerged from other accessory manufacturers, indicating they may be working with early designs or prototypes of the Switch 2. For example, there was another incident where accessory maker Satisfye inadvertently revealed imagery of the new console, fueling speculation with even blurrier depictions of hardware. This all plays to the idea of tantalizing leaks leading up to the impending reveal.
Nintendo has stayed relatively locked down about specifics. Except for confirming the future existence of the Switch 2, the company has fed the rumor mill with limited insight, only acknowledging it will maintain backward compatibility—a plus for existing users invested heavily in the library of games from Nintendo's current generation.
With history supporting Dbrand's bold moves, the community is left to wonder if we are genuinely on the brink of imminent revelations, or if they are simply playing the market's expectations for attention's sake. What’s clear is the community's growing impatience and excitement as we count down to the promised announcements by Nintendo.
What do you think of these Nintendo Switch 2 design leaks? Are we gearing up for the biggest reveal since the first Switch launch, or is it all smoke and mirrors? The discourse continues through various online forums and social media platforms as fans weigh the potentialities of the upcoming console—stay tuned!