Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against accessory manufacturer Genki for trademark infringement following the company's early showcase of a purported Nintendo Switch 2 "mockup" months before Nintendo's official console reveal.
Recall that earlier this year, Genki - the peripheral maker behind the controversial Switch 2 mockup shown at CES 2025 - reported receiving legal notice from Nintendo. At the time, Genki publicly stated it had never signed any non-disclosure agreement with Nintendo, claiming there was "nothing to worry about."
The company informed CES attendees that their Switch 2 prototype, unveiled three months before Nintendo's planned announcement, was supposedly based on actual Switch 2 hardware they had examined for accessory development purposes.
According to legal documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo is formally suing Genki, accusing the company of orchestrating "a calculated campaign to capitalize on consumer anticipation for Nintendo's next-generation console." The lawsuit cites trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising claims.
Nintendo alleges Genki "publicly flaunted purported insider access to the unreleased console" and permitted attendees to physically handle the mockups. The gaming giant contends that Genki's compatibility claims "would require unlawful, unauthorized access to Switch 2 specifications," suggesting the company "actively misled consumers about product compatibility assurances."
Court filings state: "In January 2025, [Genki] began promoting unauthorized access to Nintendo's forthcoming Switch 2 console before its official announcement or release." The documents note Genki's subsequent contradictory statements about device access while maintaining compatibility promises.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
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Nintendo further accuses Genki of trademark violations through unauthorized marketing that allegedly competes with Nintendo's licensed partner ecosystem.
The complaint specifically references a January 20 Genki tweet showing CEO Edward Tsai with a silencing gesture, captioned: "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," along with a website popup stating: "Can you keep a secret? We can't..."
Nintendo seeks injunctive relief prohibiting Genki from using "Nintendo Switch" trademarks, demands destruction of infringing materials, and requests triple damages for alleged financial harm caused by Genki's actions.
Genki recently issued a social media statement: "We're aware of Nintendo's legal action and are consulting legal experts to prepare an appropriate response." The company emphasized its independent status and commitment to "innovative gaming accessories," confirming continued operations including PAX East participation.
The Switch 2 launches June 5, with preorders opening April 24 at $449.99 - resulting in predictable demand surges. Nintendo has cautioned U.S. customers about potential delivery delays due to extraordinary preorder volumes.
For complete preorder details, visit IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide.
