Nintendo has taken legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, accusing the company of trademark infringement following the release of renders showcasing a "mockup" of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This controversy erupted months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console.
The situation escalated after CES 2025, where Genki displayed its Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on an actual system they had seen. Despite Genki's initial assertion that they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo and therefore had "nothing to worry about," Nintendo's lawyers reportedly visited the company.
In the court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo alleges that Genki embarked on 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 promising compatibility with the Switch 2, which they argue would be impossible without unauthorized access.
The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki advertised having unauthorized access to the Nintendo Switch 2 before its public reveal. Despite later contradicting their initial claims of possessing the console, Genki continued to assert that their accessories would be compatible with the Switch 2 upon its release.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
View 3 Images
Nintendo also alleges that Genki infringed its trademarks in advertising and directly competed with Nintendo and its licensees' legitimate marketing efforts. A tweet from Genki's CEO, Edward Tsai, and a pop-up on their website hinting at secretive access to Nintendo's headquarters further fueled the controversy.
Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" name in their marketing, demanding the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and is pursuing unspecified damages, which they want to be tripled.
In response, Genki released a statement on social media acknowledging the lawsuit and their commitment to working with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, expressing gratitude for the community's support and promising to continue fulfilling orders and showcasing new products at PAX East.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to debut on June 5, with pre-orders starting on April 24 at a price of $449.99. High demand has led Nintendo to warn U.S. customers that release date delivery is not guaranteed. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
