Nintendo Unleashes Legal Fury on Accessory Maker Over Switch 2 Leaks, Exposing a Flawed Strategy

Nintendo, a titan in the video game industry known for its fiercely guarded secrets and aggressive legal tactics, has launched a lawsuit against accessory maker Human Things, Inc., also known as Genki, in a move that highlights the company’s failure to control the narrative surrounding its highly anticipated Switch 2 console. While the lawsuit ostensibly targets trademark infringement, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of leaks in the modern tech landscape and the limitations of even the most determined efforts to maintain secrecy.

The lawsuit, filed on May 2, accuses Genki of unfair competition and false advertising, citing the company’s use of Nintendo Switch 2 logos and hardware designs. Nintendo is seeking to halt Genki from selling any accessories related to the Switch 2 and is demanding an unspecified amount in damages.

Genki, which had been hinting at its work on Switch 2 accessories even before Nintendo officially unveiled the console in January 2025, gained notoriety at CES 2025 for showcasing a remarkably accurate Switch 2 mockup at its booth. This 3D-printed dummy unit revealed crucial details about the console, including its 8-inch screen and the magnetic lock system used for the Joy-Con 2 controllers. The company even featured an animation of a Switch 2 render on its website, further fueling speculation and excitement among eager fans.

While Genki offered inconsistent explanations regarding the source of its Switch 2 mockup designs, their accuracy has since been validated. Nintendo alleges that Genki could not have created these mockups without unauthorized access to a Switch 2 console or proprietary technical specifications. Furthermore, Nintendo claims that Genki’s use of official Nintendo logos on its rendering of a Switch 2 dock at CES 2025 caused confusion among consumers, leading them to believe that Genki was affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo.

Adding insult to injury, Genki held its own "Genki Indirect" event on April 2, a mere two hours after Nintendo’s official Direct for the Switch 2 announcement. During this event, Genki showcased its upcoming accessories and peripherals, further capitalizing on the hype surrounding the new console. In a statement released on X, Genki acknowledged the lawsuit but remained tight-lipped, stating that they were "continuing preparations to fulfill orders and showcase our newest products at PAX East this week."

Nintendo’s decision to pursue legal action against Genki is consistent with its reputation as one of the most litigious companies in the video game industry. The company has a long history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, often targeting individuals and companies involved in modding Switch units or creating unauthorized games. Notable examples include the case of Canadian programmer Gary Bowser, who served prison time for his role in a site that sold modded consoles, and the lawsuit against Pocketpair, the makers of Palworld, for alleged copyright infringement.

Given Nintendo’s track record, Genki should have anticipated a legal challenge. Reports indicate that Nintendo’s lawyers even visited Genki’s booth during CES 2025. However, Genki was not the only accessory maker to share early details about the Switch 2. Dbrand, for instance, revealed early renders of its upcoming Switch 2 cases on December 13, showcasing the console’s "U"-shaped kickstand. Dbrand, having prior experience with lawsuits from major console makers, may have been more cautious in the amount of information it revealed.

The lead-up to the Switch 2 launch was protracted, and leaks were virtually inevitable. According to the lawsuit, Nintendo began developing the Switch 2 shortly after the release of the original Switch, a period of over eight years during which the company attempted to maintain strict secrecy. However, the company’s own actions inadvertently contributed to the information leak. Nintendo’s patents, for example, revealed the Switch 2’s mouse controls before the feature was officially announced.

While no company welcomes product leaks, Nintendo’s stringent approach to controlling information surrounding the Switch 2 launch arguably exacerbated the situation, creating a media frenzy that was difficult to contain.

The lawsuit against Genki serves as a cautionary tale for accessory makers and other companies that may be tempted to capitalize on the hype surrounding unreleased products. It also highlights the challenges that even the most secretive companies face in preventing leaks in the digital age. Nintendo’s desperate efforts to control its narrative ultimately proved futile, demonstrating the limits of legal action in an era of rampant information sharing. The company’s closed-mouth strategy arguably fueled the very media fervor it sought to avoid, leaving Nintendo to point fingers while acknowledging the inevitability of leaks in the modern tech landscape. The ongoing legal battle will undoubtedly be closely watched by the industry, setting a precedent for how companies handle leaks and protect their intellectual property in the future.