Nintendo Sues Over Premature Switch 2 Mockup Release

Nintendo has initiated legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement following Genki's release of renders depicting a "Nintendo Switch 2" mockup well before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console. The controversy emerged during CES 2025 in January, where Genki showcased its Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on a real system they had accessed.

According to court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of launching a calculated effort to exploit public interest in the forthcoming console. The lawsuit claims Genki boasted about having early access to the unreleased console and permitted attendees to handle and measure the mockups. Nintendo argues that Genki's assertions of compatibility could not be substantiated without unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, misleading consumers about the compatibility of its products with the upcoming console.

The court papers detail that in January 2025, Genki advertised having unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, which had not yet been publicly revealed. Despite later contradicting their initial claims by stating they never possessed a console, Genki continued to assure consumers of their accessories' compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

View 3 ImagesNintendo further alleges that Genki infringed its trademarks in advertising and directly competed with Nintendo and its authorized accessory licensees. A tweet from Genki on January 20, featuring CEO Edward Tsai with a finger to his lips and the caption "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," alongside a website pop-up saying "Can you keep a secret? We can’t...," added to Nintendo's grievances.

Nintendo is seeking an injunction to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" trademark in its marketing, the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and unspecified damages for infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, with a request for these damages to be tripled.

In response, Genki issued a statement over the weekend on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and expressing their commitment to working with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, expressing confidence in their products' quality and originality. Genki also mentioned ongoing preparations for fulfilling orders and showcasing new products at PAX East. They thanked their supporters and promised to share more information when possible, while focusing on creating gear for gamers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5, with pre-orders beginning on April 24 at a price of $449.99. Due to high demand, Nintendo has warned U.S. customers about potential delays in receiving their pre-ordered consoles. For more details, you can refer to IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.