‘I Am 100% Sure They Are Really Mad, to the Most Severe Level’ — Ex-Nintendo PR Managers React to Switch 2 Leaks

Former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of recent Switch 2 leaks, highlighting the significant internal disruption and compromised element of surprise for fans. Leaks have revealed potential release dates, upcoming games, and even device mockups, including images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has officially dismissed these as "unofficial."

In a YouTube video, ex-Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus of experience, discussed the likely internal fallout. Yang described the internal reaction as "very, very, very upset," emphasizing the intense pressure and stress on staff involved in leak investigations. This, they explained, creates a highly chaotic environment and negatively impacts focus on the console's launch preparations. Ellis confirmed that Nintendo employs dedicated investigators who will ultimately uncover the source of the leaks.

The leaks, according to Yang and Ellis, significantly diminish the element of surprise surrounding the official announcement. They emphatically denied any internal involvement, stating that Nintendo would never intentionally leak information, emphasizing the company's strong emphasis on the "value of surprise."

Ellis anticipates a reevaluation of Nintendo's product security protocols following this incident, given the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch. This extended timeframe, they suggest, may have exposed vulnerabilities in their hardware reveal processes.

What rumored Switch 2 feature are you most excited for?

4K upscalingLarger screenOptical sensor on JoyconMysterious "C" buttonFaster SD cardsMagnetic locking Joycon

While all details remain unconfirmed pending an official announcement (expected in Q1 2024, according to Nintendo), backward compatibility with original Switch games and Nintendo Switch Online integration have been confirmed. A launch before April 2025 is unlikely.