Nintendo Sues Over Premature Switch 2 Mockup Reveal

Nintendo has initiated legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, accusing them of trademark infringement following Genki's early release of renders depicting a "Nintendo Switch 2" mockup. This incident occurred months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console.

A few months ago, at CES 2025, Genki showcased a Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on a real system they had access to. Despite visits from Nintendo's lawyers, Genki maintained that they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo and thus had "nothing to worry about."

In court documents reviewed by IGN, Nintendo alleges that Genki launched a strategic campaign to exploit public interest in the upcoming console. The lawsuit accuses Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo claims that Genki boasted about having early access to the unreleased console and allowed visitors to interact with the mockups. They further argue that Genki's claims of compatibility were misleading, as such guarantees would require unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2.

The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki began advertising unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, despite the console not being officially revealed or released by Nintendo at the time. Genki's statements later contradicted their initial claims, admitting they never possessed a console, yet continued to assure consumers of their accessories' compatibility with the upcoming console.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

View 3 ImagesNintendo also alleges that Genki infringed on its trademarks through advertising and directly competing with Nintendo's authorized accessories. A tweet from Genki's CEO, Edward Tsai, and a pop-up on their website further irritated Nintendo, with the tweet suggesting unauthorized access to Nintendo's headquarters and the pop-up hinting at a secret they couldn't keep.

Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" trademark in marketing, demanding the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and requesting unspecified damages, which they want to be tripled.

In response, Genki issued a statement on social media over the weekend, acknowledging the lawsuit and expressing their commitment to working with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, reaffirming their pride in their work and the quality of their products. Genki also mentioned their ongoing preparations for PAX East and thanked supporters, promising further updates while continuing to focus on creating gear for gamers.

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