The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t out yet, but that didn’t stop a few units from ending up in people’s hands ahead of schedule.
One of the most talked-about early leaks came from a short unboxing video, reportedly recorded in the UAE. It may seem ready, but the console is mostly just a high-end-looking brick at the moment.
Trusted gaming deal hunter and leaker Wario64 confirmed that at least two people had contacted him with Switch 2 consoles in hand. They tried to start a Switch 1 game, and the console immediately said, “Please connect to the internet and update your system.”
That update hasn’t launched yet, so playing anything isn’t possible. So, while the hardware may be real and shipping early, there’s simply nothing anyone can do with it until June 5, the official launch day when the patch is expected to roll out.
Is The Nintendo Switch 2 Time Locked?
Yes. There's nothing confirmed as to why, but the general take is Nintendo locked the system behind a day-one patch to block leaks, spoilers, and exploits on purpose. This might be a way to prevent piracy, or it could simply be unfinished firmware still needing more work.
Wario64’s reports match what other users have said on different forums. No one has been able to get past that update wall. It’s not restricted to backward compatibility either.
Most tests used older Switch games, but some believe that Switch 2 titles won’t start until the patch arrives. We now know exactly why no reviews are live yet because right now, the system’s shiny shell is all anyone is allowed to see.
Has This Happened Before with Consoles?
Yes, but the limits here are stricter than what is typical. The Xbox One and PS5 had them as well, but this could be the first major console that won’t work at all until it gets updated.
The Wii also needed a disc in its early models, but at least it didn’t just sit there like a brick. It’s not only about convenience but also about how usable it remains over time.
When Nintendo’s servers go offline, will unopened Switch 2 systems become worthless unless workarounds are made? This is connected to another ongoing argument over Nintendo’s Game Key Card system.
Instead of classic cartridges, these cards function as digital licenses. They require downloading the game itself. Collectors of physical versions and offline players are dealing with another issue, and the mandatory firmware update is bothering many.
A few folks got their hands on the Switch 2 early, but unless they’ve found a way to time-travel to June 5, they’re stuck waiting like the rest of us.
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