Nintendo Sues Accessories Firm Over Premature Switch 2 'Mockup' Leak

Nintendo has initiated legal action against the accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement following Genki's release of renders depicting a Nintendo Switch 2 "mockup" several months before Nintendo officially unveiled images of its latest console. This legal battle stems from events at CES 2025, where Genki showcased their Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on an actual Switch 2 system they had access to, which they used to develop their accessories.

Despite Genki's initial confidence, stating they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo and thus had "nothing to worry about," the situation escalated. In court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of launching a "strategic campaign" to exploit the public's fascination with the next-generation console. The lawsuit includes charges of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.

Nintendo's legal filings assert that Genki "boasted its alleged early access to the unreleased console" and permitted CES attendees to handle and measure the mockups. The company further alleges that Genki's claims of compatibility with the Switch 2 were misleading, as such guarantees could only be made with unauthorized access to the console.

The court papers highlight that in January 2025, Genki began advertising unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, which had yet to be publicly revealed or released by Nintendo. Initially, Genki claimed access to a genuine console, but later contradicted this, stating they never possessed one. Despite these inconsistencies, Genki continued to assure consumers that their accessories would be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon its release.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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Nintendo also accused Genki of infringing its trademarks through advertising and competing directly with Nintendo's and its licensees' authorized accessories. Additionally, Nintendo took issue with 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 that read: "Can you keep a secret? We can’t..."

In its lawsuit, Nintendo seeks to prevent Genki from using the trademarked "Nintendo Switch" name in marketing, demands the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and requests unspecified damages, which it wants to be tripled.

Over the weekend, Genki responded via social media, acknowledging Nintendo's lawsuit and stating they are working with legal counsel. They emphasized their commitment to creating innovative gaming accessories and stood by the quality and originality of their products. Genki also mentioned ongoing preparations to fulfill orders and showcase new products at PAX East. They expressed gratitude for the support received and vowed to continue focusing on building gear for gamers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to debut on June 5, with pre-orders starting on April 24 at a price of $449.99. Pre-orders have been met with significant demand, and Nintendo has warned U.S. customers that release date delivery is not guaranteed. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.