Feb 20, 2017 08:12 AM EST By Dan Camins, UniversityHerald Reporter

A Nintendo Switch unit that was the subject of reports recently, for having been delivered two weeks ahead of schedule was allegedly found to be part of stolen Switch systems by employees in the United States.

The unfortunate news was brought to light following leaks made by a user at NeoGAF, hiphotherobot, having posted his Nintendo Switch unit last Thursday, demonstrating its menu functions albeit nothing else could be done with it, for it had no games. Some were initially envious, considered the proud owner lucky for physically having the unit at hand, and charged the early delivery to a mix up in the pre-order delivery, while some reportedly said for him to return it because of the retailer's mistake.

As it turned out, pictures of the Nintendo Switch along with videos, he posted online as proof he indeed has it after acquiring the unit online from an unknown retailer, was found to be stolen. According to IGN, a Nintendo representative provided a statement regarding the premature purchase that led to hiphoptherobot getting his hands on one Nintendo Switch unit.

According to the statement, Nintendo determined the Nintendo Switch in question was part of stolen Switch systems from an unspecified U.S. retailer. Allegedly, employees of the retailer stole the units, with one system illegally re-sold.

The statement also made mention that the culprits involved have been identified and terminated from employment. Additionally, they are also being investigated by local authorities and slapped with criminal charges.

There was no mention in the statement how many individuals were involved in the crime, unconfirmed reports say five units were stolen, or if any other units were sold apart from the one hiphoptherobot is currently in possession of. Apparently, already returned the stolen unit, Kotaku reported.

According to his statement posted on NeoGAF, he shipped the Nintendo Switch unit back to Nintendo, two days after unboxing and posting videos of its user interface in action. He only found out the unit was stolen after posting the videos, knowing the unit was acquired through illicit means, it made him uncomfortable keeping the unit, so he immediately sent it back, said the report.

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