Nintendo has initiated legal action against accessory manufacturer Genki, accusing the company of trademark infringement after it showcased renders of a "Nintendo Switch 2" mockup at CES 2025, months before Nintendo officially unveiled its new console.
A few months ago, Genki, at the center of the Switch 2 mockup controversy, was reportedly visited by Nintendo's legal team. Despite this, Genki maintained that it had not signed a non-disclosure agreement with Nintendo and thus had "nothing to worry about." Genki claimed that its Switch 2 mockup, which debuted three months before Nintendo's official reveal, was based on an actual Switch 2 unit they had seen and used to design their accessories.
In court documents obtained by IGN, Nintendo accuses Genki of launching a strategic campaign to exploit public interest in the next-generation console. The lawsuit includes charges of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. Nintendo alleges that Genki boasted about having early access to the unreleased console and allowed attendees to interact with the mockups. Nintendo argues that Genki's claims of compatibility could not be guaranteed without unauthorized access to the Switch 2, misleading the public about the compatibility of its products.
The court papers state that in January 2025, Genki began advertising that it had gained unauthorized access to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console, which had not yet been publicly revealed by Nintendo. Genki's statements were later contradicted, with the company denying possession of a console but still maintaining that its accessories would be compatible with the Switch 2 upon release.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
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Nintendo also alleges that Genki infringed its trademarks in its advertising, directly competing with Nintendo and its authorized licensees. Furthermore, Nintendo took issue with a tweet from Genki's CEO Edward Tsai, hinting at secrecy with a caption about infiltrating Nintendo's Kyoto HQ, and a pop-up on their website teasing a secret.
Nintendo is seeking to prevent Genki from using the "Nintendo Switch" trademark in its marketing, demanding the destruction of any products or marketing materials that reference Nintendo's branding, and seeking unspecified damages, which they want to be trebled.
In response, Genki issued 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, standing by their product quality and originality. While unable to comment in detail, Genki confirmed they are preparing for PAX East and thanked their supporters, promising to share more information when possible.
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 pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
