Nintendo Sues Over Premature Switch 2 'Mockup' Leak

Nintendo has taken legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki for trademark infringement following the company's release of renders depicting a "mockup" of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. These renders surfaced months before Nintendo officially unveiled images of its new console.

A few months ago, during CES 2025, Genki showcased the Switch 2 mockup, which led to a visit from Nintendo's legal team. Despite this, Genki maintained that they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement with Nintendo and thus believed they had "nothing to worry about." Genki claimed that their mockup was based on an actual Switch 2 system they had seen, which they used to design their accessories.

According to court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of launching a "strategic campaign" to exploit public interest in the next-generation console. The lawsuit includes charges of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo argues that Genki's claim of early access to the unreleased console misled the public about the compatibility of their products with the Nintendo Switch 2.

The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki began advertising unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, which had not yet been publicly revealed. Despite later contradicting their initial claims of possessing a genuine console, Genki continued to assure consumers that their accessories would be compatible with the Switch 2 upon its release.

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's and its licensees' authorized accessories. A tweet from Genki's CEO, Edward Tsai, showing him with a finger to his lips and the caption "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," along with a website pop-up saying "Can you keep a secret? We can’t...," drew particular ire from Nintendo.

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 triple damages for the alleged infringements.

In response, Genki issued a statement on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and affirming their commitment to working with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, expressing pride in their work and confidence in their product quality. Genki also mentioned their ongoing preparations for PAX East and thanked their supporters, promising more updates in the future.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5, with pre-orders starting on April 24 at a price of $449.99. Due to high demand, 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.