Introduction

On October 16, 2016, Nintendo of America made headlines by inviting fans to watch the first-ever preview of what was then codenamed the “NX,” now widely known as the Nintendo Switch. Fast forward to the present, and Walmart Canada has sent shockwaves through the gaming community by tweeting a familiar image alongside the cheeky message, "Hey, Mario 👋." Could this hint at a significant announcement regarding the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Context of the Tweet

This tweet comes just one day before rumors escalated about an impending reveal of the Switch 2 hardware on Thursday, January 16. The context of Walmart Canada’s post suggests that Nintendo might be poised to make a major announcement, echoing the excitement of past revelations.

Walmart Canada’s History with Leaks

Historically, Walmart Canada has been known for its leaks. Back in 2018, the retailer inadvertently spilled the beans on the existence of Rage 2, leading to a hilarious exchange with Bethesda. They have also mistakenly published pre-order listings for several unannounced games, including Forza Horizon 5 and Borderlands 3. Although their leak frequency has decreased in recent years, it’s worth noting that corporate social media accounts usually undergo strict approval processes. Consequently, this tweet feels more like a calculated move designed to stir excitement.

Nintendo's Reputation and Marketing Tactics

The reputation of Nintendo, known for being tight-lipped and even litigious regarding its brand, doesn’t preclude the possibility of intentional leaks to generate buzz. As someone who previously worked in marketing, I can vouch for the tactics that companies sometimes employ to create favorable publicity from unforeseen attention—especially when it stems from a series of leaks.

The Speculation Grows

To add more fuel to the speculation, just three hours after Walmart’s post, the official Nintendo of America account tweeted something that might hint at insider knowledge or a clever sub-tweet. This confluence of social media activity has fans theorizing about a strategic marketing approach from Nintendo.

Conclusion

As the gaming community anticipates what could be a monumental announcement regarding the Switch 2, the excitement is palpable. With less than 48 hours to go before the rumored reveal, all eyes are on Nintendo, and fans are buzzing about what features and innovations the next generation of their beloved console may bring. Will the hype live up to the expectations? Stay tuned for what could be one of the most talked-about gaming announcements of the year!