Nintendo Switch 2 dev kit leak adds fuel to next-gen Switch release date theory fires

Some good news about the Nintendo Switch 2, or next-generation Switch console, has turned up thanks to leaker Nash Weedle. Of course, a leak like this, and all the ensuing details, needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but Weedle claims a Spanish studio is now in possession of a Switch 2 dev kit. This should confirm that the Switch 2 is at least on its way and that games are already being developed on the platform. The leak continues with the information that it is a clear showing of Nintendo’s trust in this particular company that is based in Spain, and that “we are in the last phases prior to the presentation of the console”.

People have been quick to defend Weedle’s leak record, pointing out that the OP correctly leaked details about Metroid Dread before it was released on the Nintendo Switch. Interestingly, this title was developed by MercuryStream, a Spanish studio based in Madrid. Unsurprisingly, and it is important to point out that this is conjecture at the moment and not fact, many have presumed that the Spanish studio that now has a Nintendo Switch 2 development kit must be MercuryStream. With all the Switch 2-related news that has been popping up lately, it’s no surprise that at least a couple of YouTubers have been offering their take on a potential Switch 2 release date.

First up was Doctre81, who often scours the internet for potential signs of the Switch successor that may have gone under the radar for most. The content creator has been talking about Best Buy’s intriguing buy two Switch games and get a third for free deal, which is a rare occurrence for Nintendo products even if it is only available to My Best Buy Plus/Total members. Doctre81 opines that Best Buy could be deliberately clearing its shelves in preparation for something big coming that is related to Nintendo, and there is not much that could be bigger right now than a next-gen Switch console launch.

More recently, the popular SwitchForce channel has also been discussing the tweet from Nash Weedle and has even suggested that a July announcement for a Switch 2 could be on the cards, with noted games commenter Jeff Grubb having heard whispers of some kind of Nintendo Direct event coming in July. However, before too much excitement sets in, it is worth keeping in mind that dev kits can be sent out long before a final console is released. For instance, there were reports in September 2021 that games were being developed for a Nintendo Switch 4K console, and PlayStation 5 dev kits started appearing in leaked images over a full year before the PS5 was launched.

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