Nintendo is taking legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki for alleged trademark infringement following the company's early reveal of a "mockup" of the Nintendo Switch 2. This incident occurred months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console.
A few months ago, at CES 2025, Genki showcased what it claimed was a mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2, based on an actual system they had seen. This was three months before Nintendo's official unveiling. Despite a visit from Nintendo's lawyers, Genki initially stated they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement and felt they had "nothing to worry about."
However, court documents obtained by IGN reveal that Nintendo is now suing Genki, accusing them of launching a "strategic campaign" to exploit public interest in the upcoming console. The lawsuit cites trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo claims Genki boasted about having early access to the unreleased console and misled the public by suggesting their accessories would be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 without unauthorized access.
Nintendo's court papers highlight that in January 2025, Genki began advertising unauthorized access to the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2. Despite later retracting claims of possessing a console, Genki continued to assert that their accessories would be compatible with the new system upon release.
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Nintendo also alleges that Genki infringed on its trademarks in advertising and directly competed with Nintendo and its licensed accessories. A tweet from Genki's CEO, Edward Tsai, hinting at "infiltrating" Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters, and a website pop-up teasing secrets, were cited as further provocations.
Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" name in marketing, destroy any products or marketing referencing Nintendo's branding, and recover unspecified damages.
In response, Genki issued a statement on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and their cooperation with legal counsel. They emphasized their focus on creating innovative gaming accessories and their commitment to fulfilling orders and showcasing new products at PAX East. Genki expressed gratitude for the support received and reaffirmed their dedication to building gear for gamers.
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.
