Photo by Paula De la Pava Nieto on Unsplash
The tech world is always buzzing with excitement about the next big thing, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 is no exception. While Nintendo hasn’t officially announced anything just yet, a 3D-printed mockup of the console has surfaced, giving us a glimpse into what might be in store for gamers everywhere. The mockup was created by accessories-maker Genki, and we got to take some high-resolution pictures of it.
A Glimpse at Nintendo’s Switch 2
The Switch 2 mockup is wider than the original Switch, with slightly larger Joy-Con controllers that seem more comfortable to hold. Compared to a Steam Deck OLED, it still feels noticeably smaller, in part because the Joy-Cons are not as pronounced and ergonomic as the Deck’s grips. However, the mockup still feels closer in size to Valve’s handheld than the original Switch.
The Joy-Con Design
As previous rumors have indicated, the Switch 2’s Joy-Cons will attach to the console via magnets instead of a sliding rail. According to Genki cofounder and CEO Eddie Tsai, you can detach a Joy-Con from the Switch 2 by pressing a big button at the top of the backside of each controller. This button apparently pushes out a pin that nudges against the chassis of the console, disconnecting the magnets.
- You can remove the Joy-Cons with brute force if you really wanted to, but Tsai says they feel secure for regular use and that the big release button detaches the Joy-Cons with ease.
New Features and Functionalities
Tsai also tells us that housed within the mounting channel of the Joy-Cons is an optical sensor, which may offer mouse-like functionality. This sounds a bit like what Lenovo does with its Legion Go handheld.
- The new Joy-Cons may also have a mysterious new square button under the Home button on the right Joy-Con, although it’s unclear what this button is for.
A Look Back at Previous Leaks and Rumors
Earlier this year, YouTube channel SwitchUp posted a video showing a 3D-printed, non-functional Switch 2 mockup provided by a Chinese case manufacturer. That mockup basically looked like the current Switch but bigger, and it revealed a few other potential changes like a new USB-C port on the top of the device.
- Days later, accessories-maker Dbrand announced its “Killswitch 2” case, which was designed based on “actual dimensions” based on a “3D scan of the real hardware.”
Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash
The April 2025 Deadline and What’s Next
With the April 2025 deadline inching closer every day, it seems like it won’t be long until Nintendo officially reveals the Switch 2. But until that happens, at least we have these pictures to look at.
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