

Quick Summary
A couple of photos of an alleged Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con have appeared online.
They show a more rounded controller that could well be attached via magnets rather than plastic clips.
The Nintendo Switch 2 must be due an announcement soon, considering the amount of leaks and product images that seem to be making their way onto the 'net.
We recently had "confirmation" of super sampling technology, thanks to an official Nintendo patent being discovered, and case manufacturer Dbrand risked the Japanese gaming giant's ire by revealing a render of the forthcoming console. However, the latest seems to be the best yet – it purportedly shows hands-on photos of one of the new Joy-Cons.
Not only does the controller look convincing – after all, it's similar to previous leaked images of the shell casing – but one of the shots clearly shows a serial number and, through investigation, it has proved to be a valid Nintendo code.
X user @necrolipe has posted his findings on the social network, claiming that the serial number is recognised by Nintendo's support systems. Changing just one of the digits makes it invalid, so it'd be hard to have simply made it up.
Ainda sobre a foto do "Joy-Con 2" vazada mais cedo:– O sistema de checagem de garantia do hardware no site de Suporte Técnico da Nintendo reconhece e aceita o serial do controle– Ao mudar qualquer número, ele informa que é inválido(thx msj54540) pic.twitter.com/ddav7UFynjJanuary 5, 2025
Of course, it might have been copied from an existing Nintendo device, but that'd be a lot more hassle than they've probably been willing to undertake.
Still, it's worth keeping a tiny pinch of salt handy, just in case.
As for the Joy-Con itself, it doesn't reveal too much, although rumours that it magnetically attaches to the console rather than the plastic clips on the existing controls make sense.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The images were reportedly originally posted on Chinese site Baidu Tieba, and we found them reposted by My Nintendo News.
We still don't know when the Nintendo Switch successor might launch exactly, but considering the ramping up of speculation and more definitive leaks, it might even be in the coming couple of months.
Certainly, the smart money is on it being before the end of March, thanks to that being the end of the current financial year.

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
-
Your Pixel phone just got the biggest update of the year – Android 16 rolling out now
Google has started to roll out the full Android 16 update to supported Pixel phones
-
At last, public EV charging works as it’s supposed to – but there's still a problem
Chargers are as quick, reliable and numerous enough to be used like petrol stations – but cost remains a concern
-
Nintendo's unsung Switch 2 launch game isn't Mario Kart – everyone should download it
Welcome Tour is a must
-
Do Switch 1 controllers work on the Nintendo Switch 2?
The question on everyone's lips
-
Can I transfer my Switch 1 games to Nintendo Switch 2?
Just how does moving consoles work?
-
After its Apple success, accessories ace surprises with all-new Nintendo Switch 2 kit – and I want it all
Belkin has some swish stuff
-
Nintendo Switch 2 launch day LIVE: games, updates, accessories and more
The Switch 2 is finally available, and we're covering all the latest on its full launch right here on T3
-
Now US Switch 2 pre-orders are being cancelled, with just days to go
You need to check your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order if you live in the US
-
Your Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order may have been cancelled with no explanation
Gamers are complaining that their Switch 2 pre-orders have been killed just a week before launch
-
3 best indie games that made the Nintendo Switch
The Switch quickly became the home of indies this generation – here are three great reasons why