Nintendo Sues Over Premature Switch 2 Mockup Reveal

Nintendo has taken legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement after Genki showcased renders of a "Nintendo Switch 2" mockup well before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console. The controversy unfolded during CES 2025 in January when Genki reportedly received a visit from Nintendo's legal team. Despite this, Genki claimed they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement with Nintendo and thus felt secure.

Genki displayed the Switch 2 mockup, which they claimed was based on an actual Switch 2 unit they had access to, three months before Nintendo's official reveal. In court documents reviewed by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of engaging in a calculated effort to exploit public interest in the upcoming console. The charges include trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.

Nintendo contends that Genki boasted about their early access to the unreleased console, allowing visitors to interact with the mockups. They argue that Genki's claims of compatibility with the Switch 2 were unfounded and misleading, as such assurances would require unauthorized access to the console.

The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki advertised having unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, despite the console not yet being released or publicly revealed by Nintendo. Genki's statements were later inconsistent, with the company denying possession of the console but still asserting that their accessories would be compatible upon the console's launch.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

View 3 ImagesNintendo also claims that Genki infringed on its trademarks in their advertising, competing directly with Nintendo's and its licensees' authorized accessory marketing. Additionally, Nintendo took issue with a Genki tweet from January 20, featuring CEO Edward Tsai and the caption: "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," along with a website pop-up that read: "Can you keep a secret? We can’t..."

Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" trademark in their marketing, to destroy any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and to recover unspecified damages, which they request to be tripled.

In response, Genki issued a statement on social media over the weekend, acknowledging the lawsuit and expressing their commitment to addressing it with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, standing by the quality and originality of their products. Genki assured that they are preparing to fulfill orders and showcase new products at PAX East, thanking their community for support and promising more updates soon.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5, with pre-orders opening on April 24 at a price of $449.99. Due to high demand, Nintendo has warned U.S. customers that pre-order delivery on the release date is not guaranteed. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.