The Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Con has reportedly been revealed in an alleged leaked image – and internet sleuths are trying to figure out what it all means

Following the emergence of purported images of the Nintendo Switch 2’s internals, new images purportedly showing the next-gen console’s Joy-Con have appeared online.

The images, which show a left Joy-Con, were reportedly first posted on a Chinese social media website before spreading to the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit and Western social media. Images of the right Joy-Con have not yet emerged.

As might be expected, these images are analyzed in close detail to their lives, with most leaning towards their legitimacy. They include larger SL and SR buttons than on the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, which is to be expected given that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be a larger console than the original. These new Joy-Cons reportedly ditched the rail lock method used by the current Switch in favor of electromagnetic suction controllers.

Internet sleuths are also trying to make sense of what looks like soft rubber pads at the top and bottom of the Joy-Con side, and what looks like a sensor of some kind, perhaps for connecting to devices. other devices or for 3D gestures. -controlled entry.

Some believe that the Switch 2 Joy-Con could be used as a mouse if turned on its side and placed on a flat surface.

Last week, an image of what appeared to be the Switch 2’s internals matched information suggested by previous leaked images that gave us a good idea of ​​what to expect from the next-gen console from Nintendo.

In September, unverified images – a mix of computer-aided design (CAD) images and printed circuit board (PCB) photos – allegedly originated from a Chinese website before being posted on Reddit, depicted a device similar to the existing Switch console but with a larger screen and magnetic Joy-Con. There would also be a USB-C port on the top and bottom of the console.

The images were accompanied by a purported specs list mentioning 12GB of RAM (the original Switch had 4GB) and 256GB of internal storage (the original Switch had 32GB). There would be a new “C” button on the right Joy-Con.

We also have a patentfiled in July 2023 but first published last week, which describes AI image scaling technology that would help keep video game download sizes small enough to fit on a game cartridge physical while offering textures up to 4K.

Here’s what we know for sure: Nintendo has confirmed that the yet-to-be-announced Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the original Switch games and will feature Nintendo Switch Online.. Nintendo also said it will announce the Switch 2 by the end of March 2025, meaning the reveal is just around the corner. As for the release date, the console is not expected to launch during Nintendo’s current fiscal yearit will therefore arrive at the earliest in April 2025.

We even have developers openly state that they plan to release their next games on the consolewith others are teasing a Switch 2 version for their games. When Switch 2 finally releases, Nintendo expects to have plenty of stock availablewhich will hopefully combat scalping.

Wesley is the UK news editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.