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

Nintendo has initiated legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement following Genki's release of renders depicting a Nintendo Switch 2 "mockup" several months prior to Nintendo's official unveiling of the new console. This legal battle stems from events at CES 2025 in January, where Genki showcased the Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on a real system they had access to, which they used to design their accessories.

Despite Genki's initial assertion that they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo and thus had "nothing to worry about," court documents obtained by IGN reveal Nintendo's accusations against Genki. The gaming giant claims Genki embarked on a "strategic campaign intended to capitalize on the public interest surrounding Nintendo's next-generation console," accusing them 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 allowed guests to hold and measure the mockups." They further argue that Genki's claims of compatibility with the Switch 2 were misleading, as such guarantees would be impossible without unauthorized access to the console. The court papers also highlight Genki's contradictory statements about possessing a real Switch 2 console, yet they continued to market their accessories as compatible with the upcoming console.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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Nintendo also accused Genki of infringing on its trademarks through its advertising and competing directly with Nintendo's and its licensees' authorized accessories. A tweet from Genki's CEO Edward Tsai, hinting at "infiltrating" Nintendo's headquarters, and a website pop-up teasing secrecy, further fueled Nintendo's grievances.

In response to these allegations, Nintendo is seeking to bar Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" name in its marketing, demanding the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and requesting unspecified damages to be tripled due to the infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.

Over the weekend, Genki issued a response on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and their commitment to addressing it seriously with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, standing by the quality and originality of their products. While unable to comment in detail, Genki affirmed their ongoing preparations to fulfill orders and showcase new products at PAX East. They expressed gratitude for the support received and reiterated their focus on "building gear for gamers."

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, with pre-orders having started on April 24 at a fixed 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.