DENVER, CO — In a brazen overnight heist, thieves made off with a shipment of highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 consoles valued at over $1 million, authorities confirmed Friday. The theft occurred along Interstate 70 near Limon, Colorado, where the semi-truck driver had stopped for a rest break.
The Heist
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the driver parked at a rest area around 2:30 a.m. Thursday and awoke at dawn to discover the trailer’s lock severed and approximately 800 Nintendo Switch 2 units missing. The consoles—not yet released to the public—were en route from a manufacturing facility to a distribution center in California.
“This was a targeted, professional operation,” said Sgt. Elena Torres. “The thieves disabled the truck’s GPS and knew exactly what they were after.” Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station shows two unmarked box trucks fleeing the scene.
High-Stakes Demand
The stolen Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to Nintendo’s wildly popular hybrid console, with rumors suggesting holiday 2025 launch timing. Industry analysts fear the stolen units could flood underground markets or be sold prematurely to desperate collectors.
“These consoles are essentially gold right now,” said tech analyst Derek Lim. “Pre-orders haven’t even opened, and demand is astronomical.”
Authorities urge retailers and consumers to avoid purchasing unboxed or suspiciously sourced units. For legitimate updates on the console’s release, Nintendo’s official store remains the safest option.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI has joined the investigation, tracing leads across state lines. While no arrests have been made, investigators suspect insider knowledge of shipping logistics.
“We’re tracking electronic trails and financial footprints,” said FBI spokesperson Mark Chen. “This theft impacts consumers and the company alike.”
Nintendo has not commented publicly but is working with law enforcement. The company faces potential delays if security protocols for future shipments are overhauled.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights rising cargo theft targeting high-value tech. Over 200 similar heists occurred along I-70 in 2024, per the National Cargo Theft Task Force.
For ongoing coverage of the investigation, see the latest from 9News here.
— This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
Why it matters: With the Nintendo Switch 2 poised to dominate holiday sales, this theft could disrupt supply chains and fuel scalping markets. Consumers are advised to purchase only through authorized retailers to avoid counterfeit or stolen goods.
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