Nintendo Sues Switch 2 Leak Over Early Mockup

Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against accessory company Genki for trademark infringement after the firm shared conceptual renders of a Nintendo Switch 2 design months before Nintendo's official console reveal.

Recall that in January during CES 2025, Genki — the peripheral manufacturer embroiled in controversy over its alleged Switch 2 prototype showcase — reportedly received a legal visit from Nintendo representatives. At the time, Genki publicly stated it hadn't signed any NDA with Nintendo and therefore had "no legal concerns."

The company told attendees its Switch 2 concept model, revealed three months prior to Nintendo's formal announcement, was purportedly based on actual Switch 2 hardware that Genki claimed to have examined for accessory development purposes.

According to court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo is pursuing legal action against Genki, alleging the company "launched a calculated marketing strategy designed to exploit public anticipation for Nintendo's new-generation console." The lawsuit cites trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.

Nintendo claims Genki "publicly flaunted alleged pre-release console access while demonstrating mockups to visitors," noting that compatibility assurances "would require unlawful early access to unreleased Switch 2 hardware... thereby deceiving consumers about product compatibility claims."

The legal filing states: "In January 2025, [Genki] initiated marketing campaigns implying unauthorized access to Nintendo's forthcoming Switch 2 hardware ahead of Nintendo's official announcement."

"After initial claims of possessing genuine Switch 2 hardware, Defendant issued conflicting statements regarding console access. Despite this, Defendant continues asserting its accessories will maintain compatibility upon the Switch 2's release."

Genki's Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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The Japanese gaming giant further accuses Genki of trademark violation in promotional materials and "competing unfairly with Nintendo and licensed partners' legitimate accessory marketing efforts."

Nintendo specifically objected to a January 20 Genki social media post showing CEO Edward Tsai miming secrecy with the caption: "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," plus a website pop-up stating: "Can you keep a secret? We can't..."

As legal remedy, Nintendo demands Genki cease using "Nintendo Switch" trademarks in marketing, destroy all products referencing Nintendo branding, and compensate for unspecified damages "resulting from infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising," with potential treble damages.

Genki issued a public response over the weekend stating: "We acknowledge Nintendo's recent legal filing. Our legal team is preparing a considered response."

"We remain committed to developing innovative gaming accessories for our community. We stand by our products' quality and originality. While we can't discuss specifics, we're proceeding with order fulfillment and new product reveals at PAX East."

The statement concluded by thanking supporters and affirming: "We'll provide updates when possible, but remain focused on delivering exceptional gaming peripherals."

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches June 5. Pre-orders began April 24 at $449.99 — with overwhelming response as anticipated. Separately, Nintendo has cautioned U.S. customers about potential delivery delays for My Nintendo Store pre-orders due to exceptional demand.

For additional details, consult IGN's comprehensive Switch 2 pre-order guide.