Nintendo Sues Over Premature Switch 2 Mockup Reveal

Nintendo has initiated legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, accusing the company of trademark infringement following the release of renders depicting a "mockup" of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The controversy erupted after Genki showcased these mockups at CES 2025, several months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console.

Genki had previously claimed it did not sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo, asserting it had "nothing to worry about" when visited by Nintendo's lawyers. The company maintained that its Switch 2 mockup, displayed three months prior to Nintendo's official reveal, was based on a real Switch 2 system they had seen and used to develop their accessories.

In court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo alleges that Genki engaged in a "strategic campaign" to exploit public interest in the next-generation console. The lawsuit accuses Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo claims that Genki boasted about having early access to the unreleased console, allowing guests to interact with the mockups and misleading the public about the compatibility of its products with the Nintendo Switch 2.

The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki advertised having unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2, despite the console not being publicly revealed or released by Nintendo at that time. Genki's statements were later found to be contradictory, with the company eventually admitting it never possessed a console, yet continuing to claim its accessories would be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon release.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

View 3 ImagesNintendo also alleges that Genki infringed on its trademarks through its advertising and directly competed with Nintendo's and its licensees' legitimate marketing of authorized accessories. A tweet from Genki's CEO, Edward Tsai, and a pop-up on their website further fueled the controversy, hinting at unauthorized access to Nintendo's headquarters.

Nintendo is seeking to prevent 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 for infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, with the potential for these damages to be tripled.

In response, Genki issued a statement on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and expressing their commitment to working with legal counsel. The company emphasized its independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, reaffirming their pride in their work and the quality of their products. While unable to comment in detail, Genki assured continued preparations for fulfilling orders and showcasing new products at PAX East.

The statement concluded with gratitude for the support received and a focus on continuing to build 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.