
Ah, another day, another round of 'Switch 2' speculation. Today's chatter, however, is actually rooted in something on the Switch, after Nintendo's Intellectual Property Notice was updated on the console to include a suspicious new product code.
Initially flagged on Twitter by @necrolipe, Nintendo's official Wireless Regulatory Information now applies to electronic labels "BEE-006, HAC-008", the former of which is ringing some alarm bells for those who have been in the 'Switch 2' product code speculation trenches for a while.
You see, this isn't the first time we've seen 'BEE' in relation to 'Switch 2'. Earlier this year, the code popped up in Nintendo shipping data alongside the commonly-used 'HGU' — the assumed product code for most things 'Switch 2'. While there was no indication of what product the code was linked to, its inclusion in the shipping data led some to speculate that it was likely also linked to the Switch successor.

And so we arrive at the code making another appearance in Nintendo's updated Intellectual Property Notices — which you can find in the System settings, or by just checking out the screengrab above. Its position alongside HAC-008 (the code for 'Switch 1' carts) has led some to believe 'BEE-006' signifies 'Switch 2' cartridges, though, again, that's just speculation for the time being.
If it is a 'Switch 2' cart, however, what's it doing in the IP notice? Some online like @necrolipe, @CentroLeaks and more have speculated that it's a sign the next console will use the same operating system as its predecessor (probably due to the 'BEE-006' mention on the current Switch OS). This wouldn't be all that surprising given how often operating systems are reused between models, nor would it rule out some 'Switch 2' utility upgrades — come on, give us some Themes! — but it might suggest the base is staying the same.
That said, its inclusion could just as easily be the foundation of an error message, "You cannot play that software on this system" or something similar. Or, of course, the code could have nothing to do with 'Switch 2' — it has some provenance in old analysed shipping documents, but there's still a fair amount of mental leaping going on here.
All this is to say, there are plenty of reasons why a 'Switch 2' code (if we're assuming it is a 'Switch 2' code) might pop up on the new Intellectual Property Notices, but we'll have to wait for its official reveal to have any real idea of what it's doing there. If only Nintendo would reveal the damn thing, eh?
What do you make of this product code speculation? Let us know in the comments.
[source x.com]
Comments 28
No way the real leaked picture of Switch 2!

Not a fan of leaks, even if they are true. But I do prefer this kind of speculation to the blurry photos we saw yesterday.
I have some speculation that maybe the bee reference is because the new console will have 'street pass'. Like a bee pollenating flowers as it collects nectar. I think NL should make a article to discuss this?!?
@PikminMarioKirby woah watch out, you're gonna get Nintendo Ninjas sent after you for leaking this
What if it's a coded message?
BEE HGU...
What if it's... hug bees?
Huggbees?
Huggbees!
We are officially at the point of hype cycle for me where I just don't care anymore. I'll get excited when they actually announce something.
"what's this a overabundance of bees? My briefcase full of bees will fix this!"
@RupeeClock I don’t recommend you hug bees.
If it was to use the same OS maybe the Switch 2 will just end up being called Switch (2025), like how Amazon names its generations of products. It would save them having to create new branding for what essentially appears to be a spec bump so far. It might explain how Metroid 4 is still coming to 'Switch' and why Xenoblade Chronicles X is coming out in March (when many think the Switch 2 will be released).
If we get to BEE-017, I'd start to get worried about BAAAAAWWWWWMBERS
If you don't get it, watch this particular title screen. Or rather, hear it.
There have been so many leaks that I tend to pay less and less attention to them
Interesting, wonder what BEE could stand for if it's indeed the electronic label of Switch's successor (more likely than not, but still) - maybe Boosted, Enhanced Entertainment?
Although I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the letters had to do with its "gimmick" because again, would be surprised if there weren't at least one of those to distinguish it from Switch and even more so considering it's by Nintendo!
I feel it's a waste of time reading about all these Swtich 2 speculations — like, ok, just wait for Nintendo, man — but here I am again
@PikminMarioKirby Ya like jazz?
@PikminMarioKirby also, I thought Queen Sectonia was dead.
More potential Switch 2 buzz then?
Well, this is certainly more substantial than most other info we've gotten. Really hope the reveal is in January.
BeeSwitched?
It's all well and good when the Switch 2 leaks, but when I do it, I cop a $200 fine and squinted glances.
The return of Hudson Bee Cards (I think that was MSX, was it?). I just heard it was the basis for HuCard/TurboChips.
It's December 2024, what DOESN'T spawn "Switch 2" speculation?😅 One can only press F for this magnitude of abstinence syndrome among Switch owners, be it due to genuinely limited gaming interests or to thr insistence on viewing the console's eye-wateringly epic library as nothing but Hentai Lawnmower Driver In Car: Groundhog Day Edition (and blaming all of it on eShop discoverability just like Wii U's deficient appeal was all blamed on poor product promotion - googling things is hard, okay?). But hey, at least it gives tabloids something to write about (instead of more delisting alerts like G.I. Operation Blackout👀).
Never knew switch 1 cards had the code HAC-008. So Nintendo was basicly asking everyone to hack their cards/system. Like a tease.
Well, they did.
Obligatory Oprah "Bees!" gif
@RupeeClock I just got Freakazoid flashbacks from this comment. Thank you
The supposed leaks and speculation are reaching just insane levels. I really hope Nintendo will reveal the 'successor to Switch' next month so we can finally have something more concrete.
People aren’t seeing the forest from the bees here..
Instead of tasting bitter, the new cartridges will taste like honey.
@Bigmanfan With where we’re going with all these rumors and “leaks,” a Switch 2 reveal can happen at any moment when we least expect it
Ugh.... why did I read this, lol
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