Nintendo Switch 2 is out this year says leaker who correctly predicted Pokémon DLC-Michael Beckwith-Entertainment – Metro

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – apparently it will come with a patch that improves Pokémon Scarlet & Violet’s graphics (pic: The Pokémon Company)

Nintendo’s next console could still be out this year, according to a leaker that knew about yesterday’s Pokémon news before it happened.

Yesterday’s Pokémon Direct had a number of new reveals for the creature collecting franchise, with the main highlight being the inevitable DLC expansions for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

In the wake of the showcase, however, it’s been discovered that someone accurately predicted a good chunk of the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet announcements a few days beforehand.

However, one thing they predicted that wasn’t mentioned during the showcase is that there’s currently a patch in development that will enhance the game’s graphics; one that’s being made for a new Nintendo Switch model that will be released alongside the second expansion in winter 2023.

The source in question claims to be a programmer for a company that’s been doing outsourced work for the Pokémon series, and suggetss that ‘We are working on a graphics enhancement patch for the new Nintendo Switch models that will be released alongside DLC 2.’

‘New Nintendo Switch models’ could just mean revised versions of the current Switch hardware (like the Switch OLED or the mythical Switch Pro), but considering they admit to having poor English, and are using machine translation to make their claim, it seems more likely that they’re referring to Nintendo’s next major console, which was previously rumoured to be releasing next year.

It’s always been assumed that whatever the Switch 2 is called will be significantly more powerful. Indeed, it was been reported back in 2021 that developers were working with 4K development kits for Nintendo hardware, something the publisher has denied.

If true, this leak would also mean that the Switch 2 will feature backwards compatibility and may offer visual upgrades for other Switch games – something that’s frequently been rumoured for the upcoming Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom.

Admittedly, the source comes from a 4chan post (via Reddit), which is never a good sign. However, all their info, which 4chan dates as being posted on February 24 (three days before the showcase), is far too specific to be simple guesswork.

Aside from correctly sharing the DLC’s title – The Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero – they also accurately described two of the new pokémon as one with a ‘green mask’ and ‘a large blue turtle.’

The rumour naturally has fans split, with some believing it to be true while others are far more sceptical, believing the information is either being misinterpreted or is just a straight up fabrication.

After all, knowing about the Pokémon announcement a few days early is very different to having secret knowledge of Nintendo’s new hardware plans.

Not this year ! The DLC 2 launchs this winter … and winter 2023 ends on March 20, 2024! I believe more in a Switch 2 next year

— Hugo Henris (@Astrogo360) February 27, 2023

they said their english is poor, so maybe they meant they’ll release a scarlet violet definitive edition with all the dlc that will be part of the launch line-up of the switch successor?

— ⚓ (@BlRTHDAYBOY) February 27, 2023

DLC 2 releases in winter. That literally makes all the sense for the Switch successor to release. Right around the holidays.

— Ashyr (@ashtonphoenyx) February 27, 2023

Frankly I don’t believe that a programmer at a Pokémon outsourcing company would be privy to information about a new switch model it’s possible he just added that in without it being true

— Pejic839 (@pejic839) February 27, 2023

Even if it is all true, Nintendo can be very fickle and could easily push back any new hardware into next year. After all, the long rumoured Switch Pro, a mid-gen upgrade that was heavily rumoured for a good few years, is said to have been cancelled, despite initial plans to release it.

More: Gaming

There’s also evidence to suggest that Nintendo intends on supporting the existing Switch well beyond 2023, with production for the hardware reportedly ramping up earlier this year.

And yet, the company’s first party line-up for the year is surprisingly sparse, with no major new releases currently scheduled beyond May’s The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom – except for the Pokémon DLC.

Combined with Nintendo’s decision to skip E3 this year, which is said to be due to a lack of big games to show off (the company says it’s just due to poor timing), it’s easy to believe that Nintendo is gearing up for a new hardware launch. But this year? That would be a major surprise if true.

Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, and follow us on Twitter.

MORE : Nintendo Switch 2 in 2024 – the facts and the speculation

MORE : Super Mario Bros. Movie Nintendo Switch bundle leaked for March

MORE : World’s rarest and most expensive Pokémon card on auction for over £400,000

Follow Metro Gaming on Twitter and email us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

Entertainment – MetroRead More