Nintendo Sues Accessories Company For Sharing Switch 2 'Mockup' Months Before Official Reveal

Nintendo has initiated legal action against the accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement after Genki released renders of a Nintendo Switch 2 "mockup" several months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console. The controversy surrounding Genki's Switch 2 mockup furore at CES 2025 in January escalated when Nintendo's lawyers reportedly visited the company. Despite this, Genki maintained that they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo, asserting they had "nothing to worry about."

Genki showcased the Switch 2 mockup to visitors at CES 2025, claiming it was based on an actual Switch 2 system they had seen, which they used to develop their accessories. The mockup was presented three months prior to Nintendo's formal unveiling of the console.

In court papers obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of engaging in a "strategic campaign intended to capitalize on the public interest surrounding Nintendo's next-generation console." The lawsuit cites trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo claims Genki "boasted its alleged early access to the unreleased console and allowed guests to hold and measure the mockups." Furthermore, Nintendo argues that Genki's claims of accessory compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 were misleading because they would require "unauthorized, illegal early access to the Nintendo Switch 2."

According to the court documents, "In January 2025, \[Genki\] began advertising that it gained unauthorised access to Nintendo's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, which had not yet been released or even revealed publicly by Nintendo." Despite later contradicting their initial claims and admitting they never possessed a console, Genki continued to assert that their accessories would be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon its release.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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Nintendo also alleges that Genki infringed on its trademarks in its marketing and competed directly with Nintendo's and its licensees' authorized accessories. The company took issue with a tweet from Genki on January 20, showing CEO Edward Tsai with a finger to his lips and the caption: "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," along with a pop-up on the Genki website that read: "Can you keep a secret? We can’t..."

Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" trademark in its marketing, to have Genki destroy any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and to recover unspecified "damages it has sustained as a result of Defendant's infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising," with the damages potentially being tripled.

Over the weekend, Genki responded on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and stating they are working with legal counsel. "What we can say is this: Genki has always been an independent company focused on building innovative gaming accessories for the community we love. We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we stand by the quality and originality of our products. While we can’t comment in detail, we’re continuing preparations to fulfill orders and showcase our newest products at PAX East this week."

The statement concluded by thanking supporters and emphasizing their commitment to "building gear for gamers."

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5. Pre-orders began on April 24, with the console priced at $449.99. The pre-order process was highly competitive, and Nintendo has warned U.S. customers who pre-ordered through the My Nintendo Store that release date delivery is not guaranteed due to high demand. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.