Nintendo faces security breach as Switch 2 unit stolen from Chinese manufacturing factory

A Nintendo Switch 2 console might have been allegedly stolen from a manufacturing facility in China. A recent video posted on the Chinese social media platform BiliBili has been making rounds, showing off what appears to be a Nintendo Switch 2 console running quality control software.

It has been a long eight-year wait for Nintendo fans since the release of the firm’s first modern console, but the launch of the hugely anticipated second iteration is approaching fast. The gaming company announced that Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on June 5, but it seems one person couldn’t wait any longer and allegedly stole a console from the manufacturing plant.

Nintendo Switch 2 gets stolen from manufacturing plant in China

A Nintendo Switch 2 console appeared to be illegally smuggled out of a manufacturing facility in China. The incident occurred a few months before the slated release of Nintendo Switch 2 on July 5, which has taken Nintendo fans through a long eight-year wait.

The gaming company revealed Switch 2 U.S. pres-sale orders will open on April 24, despite the console reaching shelves in June. The Japanese gaming giant had previously planned to launch the console on April 9, but the firm reconsidered after Trump’s heightened trade policies. 

The gaming company noted that it shifted some of its Switch production in 2019 from China to Vietnam to diversify production. The company said it decided to push back the date so that it had time to assess the impact it would have on the upcoming console.

“Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.”

-Nintendo.

Despite the upcoming pre-sale and release dates, one individual allegedly took matters into their own hands and illegally stole one console. A video circulating Chinese Social media platform BiliBili showed off what appeared to be a Nintendo Switch 2 console running quality control software. The clip displayed options like charging the battery, launching the aging test, rebooting, and shutdown. 

Video displays Switch 2 control software and new features

The displayed options point to the unit being installed with quality control software that is used before the final retail firmware is installed. The video also showed an individual trying to attach and disconnect the Joy-Con from the console. The gaming company has yet to comment on the video or verify its validity.

The clip also showed some of the new features set to be included on the Switch 2 Joy-Con. Features like its magnetic attachment, which locks the console in place, and the mysterious C button that will be used for GameChat. 

The gaming company has also announced the updated pricing for the Switch 2 set to retail for $449.99, or $499.99 for the Mario Kart World Bundle. Nintendo also noted that Mario Kart World will go for $79.99, with gamers who opt for the bundle knocking $30 off the total price tag.

The firm revealed that Nintendo Switch will come with other games, including the latest entry in the long-running DK franchise, Donkey Kong Bonanza. The clip-on BiliBili doesn’t show any actual gameplay since that would likely indicate the individual getting their hands on an unreleased game in addition to stealing the console itself. The authenticity of the video is still unclear until Nintendo confirms whether the allegations are true.

The Japanese firm’s lawyers also confronted gaming manufacturing company Genki for allegedly revealing Switch 2 replicas on social media since early January 2025. The consumer electronics and accessories manufacturer attracted attention by arriving at the 2025 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a Switch 2 replica. 

Nintendo also commented on the series of Switch 2 leaks, stating, “It is not official.” Genki CEO Eddie Tsai shared some alleged details about the console, including the claim that the console’s Joy-Cons will attach magnetically to the device rather than relying on sliding rails.