While rumors have swirled the last week over the release of a 32GB version of Google's popular Nexus 7 tablet, the company has still yet to even confirm the device's existence. Today a purported leaked pic of the tablet makes the existence of the 32GB Nexus 7 a little harder for Google to deny.

A Japanese Twitter user, @oppese, has posted photos of an actual physical device he claims he received by accident. The user reportedly had placed an order for the entry-level 16GB Nexus 7 tablet and was ecstatic to receive Google's new 32GB Nexus 7 tablet instead.

NEXUS7の16GBを買ったはずなのに、32GBあるっぽいｗ。仕様？ via.me/-5qgj22m

— なお平 (@oppese) October 5, 2012

Of course, Google hasn't said one word yet about a 32GB version of the Nexus 7 tablet, but if these pictures are authentic, the company is likely on track to release the device before the holiday shopping season, or possibly as early as Oct. 24.

An unnamed source told Droid-Life that resellers are expecting to receive shipments of the 32GB Nexus 7 "sometime around" Oct. 24, although the source said no official date has been confirmed. If the release date is to be believed, it could set up a retail war with Apple and Microsoft.

Apple is widely expected to release its new 7-inch iPad Mini tablet on Oct. 23, according to All Things D, who cited "people familiar with Apple's plans." The company has reportedly begun production on the devices, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Microsoft's new 10-inch Surface tablet will also likely be released on or around the time Windows 8 becomes generally available on Oct. 26.

Of course, price should largely decide who wins this battle. Droid-Life found that resellers are initially planning to sell the 32GB Nexus 7 tablet for $259.92, although the site cautions that this price is just an estimate and is not related to what Google will actually charge for the device when it launches.

Google Nexus 7 Specs

Display:
Type - 7 in, IPS TFT active matrix - LED backlight
Display Resolution - 1280 x 800 ( 216 ppi )
Features - Scratch-resistant surface, Corning Gorilla glass

Operating System:
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Processor:
NVidia Tegra 3, Quad-Core

Memory:
Flash Memory- 8 GB
RAM - 1 GB

Wireless Connectivity:
NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Camera:
Front-facing Camera - 1.2 Megapixel

GPS Navigation:
GPS receiver

Expansion and Connectivity:
Interfaces - 1 x Micro-USB

Battery:
Capacity - 4325 mAh
Run Time - 10 hour(s)

Miscellaneous:
Sensors - Gyro sensor, Accelerometer, Magnetometer

Dimensions & Weight:
Width 7.8 in, Depth 10.45 mm, Height 0.4 in, Weight 0.7 lbs