Nintendo Takes Action Against Company Showing Unauthorized Switch 2 Mockups

Nintendo is taking legal action against the company that showcased unauthorized mockups of the unreleased Switch 2 console at CES 2025. In a lawsuit filed on Friday, Nintendo accuses accessory maker Genki of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, claiming that Genki “embarked upon a strategic campaign intended to capitalize on the public interest surrounding Nintendo’s next-generation console.” According to Nintendo, Genki promoted accessories that it claimed were compatible with the Switch 2, despite not having official access to the console, and used the Switch logo to do so.

After initial reports surfaced in January that Genki had brought Switch 2 mockups to CES and published a video purporting to show a 3D render of the console, Nintendo released a statement denying that the hardware or imagery were official, as reported by IGN. While Genki initially claimed to have access to a Switch 2, the company later backtracked on X, stating that it does “not own or possess a black market console.” Genki also told Game*Spark (translated by Automaton) that its mockups were based solely on leaked information. However, Nintendo’s lawsuit alleges that Genki’s “statements were contradictory and inconsistent,” and that the company “maintained its representation to consumers that its accessories will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 upon the console’s release.”

Nintendo officially announced the Switch 2 on January 16, just over a week after the mockups appeared at CES. According to Nintendo, Genki “continues to exploit the attention of the media and fan base and usurp and threaten sales of Nintendo’s own accessories,” including by hosting its own “Genki Direct” event immediately after Nintendo Direct. In a statement on X following the filing, Genki said it is “taking [the lawsuit] seriously and working with legal counsel to respond thoughtfully.”

Genki’s statement continued, “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 Nintendo Switch 2 arrives after years of rumors and speculation. According to the lawsuit, Nintendo began planning the next-gen console shortly after the release of the first. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened in April, and the console will be available on June 5.