Nintendo has taken legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement following Genki's premature release of renders depicting a Nintendo Switch 2 "mockup" several months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console. The controversy erupted at CES 2025 in January, where Genki showcased the Switch 2 mockup, claiming it was based on an actual Switch 2 system they had seen and used to design their accessories.
Despite Genki's initial confidence, stating they had not signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Nintendo and thus had "nothing to worry about," Nintendo's lawyers reportedly visited the firm. In court papers obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of launching a calculated effort to exploit public anticipation for the next-generation console. The lawsuit cites charges of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
Nintendo argues that Genki's claims of having early access to the unreleased console and allowing guests to interact with the mockups were misleading. They assert that Genki's assurances of accessory compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 were unfounded and could only be made with unauthorized access to the console. The court documents state that in January 2025, Genki advertised having gained unauthorized access to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which had not yet been publicly revealed by Nintendo.
Genki's statements have been inconsistent, initially claiming access to a genuine console and later retracting this, yet continuing to assure consumers of their accessories' compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon its release. Nintendo also alleges that Genki infringed on its trademarks in advertising and directly competed with Nintendo's and its licensees' authorized accessory marketing.
Further, Nintendo took issue with a tweet from Genki on January 20, featuring CEO Edward Tsai with a finger to his lips and the caption: "Genki ninjas infiltrate Nintendo Kyoto HQ," alongside a website pop-up 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, demanding the destruction of any products or marketing materials referencing Nintendo's branding, and requesting unspecified damages, which they wish to be tripled.
In response, Genki issued a statement over the weekend on social media, acknowledging the lawsuit and their commitment to addressing it with legal counsel. They emphasized their independence and dedication to creating innovative gaming accessories, expressing pride in their work and confidence in their product's quality and originality. While unable to provide detailed comments, Genki confirmed they are preparing to fulfill orders and showcase new products at PAX East. They thanked their supporters and reiterated their focus on building gear for gamers.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5, with pre-orders starting on April 24 at a fixed price of $449.99. Due to high demand, Nintendo has warned U.S. customers that release date delivery is not guaranteed for those who pre-ordered through the My Nintendo Store. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
View 3 Images
