‘I Am 100% Sure They Are Really Mad, to the Most Severe Level’ — Ex-Nintendo PR Managers React to Switch 2 Leaks

Former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of recent Switch 2 leaks, highlighting significant internal disruption and the compromised element of surprise for fans. Leaks have revealed potential release dates, upcoming games, and even device mockups, including images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has officially dismissed these as "unofficial."

In a YouTube video, ex-Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus experience, discussed the internal fallout. Yang described the company's reaction as "extremely upset," emphasizing the high-pressure environment created by leak investigations. This adds considerable stress to the already demanding task of launching a new console. Ellis confirmed that Nintendo employs dedicated investigators to get to the bottom of these leaks.

The leaks have undeniably created a "high-stress situation," Yang stated, describing the internal atmosphere as "highly chaotic and a real pressure cooker." The added burden of leak investigations significantly impacts the team's focus on the upcoming launch.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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The leaks have also diminished the element of surprise surrounding the official announcement, impacting fan anticipation. Both Ellis and Yang firmly refuted speculation that Nintendo orchestrated the leaks, emphasizing the company's strong emphasis on the "value of surprise." They highlighted mandatory training sessions emphasizing the importance of surprise in product launches.

Ellis anticipates a reassessment of Nintendo's product security protocols, given the scale of these leaks and the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch. Their established processes for hardware reveals may require refinement.

What rumored Switch 2 feature are you most excited for?

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While all information remains unofficial until Nintendo's formal announcement (expected in Q1 2024), Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. A launch within the current fiscal year is unlikely, suggesting a release date no earlier than April 2025.