Nintendo has initiated legal proceedings against Genki, an accessory manufacturer known for products like the Shadowcast and Savepoint. The conflict arose after Genki unveiled a mockup of the anticipated Switch 2 during CES 2025, prior to Nintendo’s own official announcement. Nintendo alleges that this action undermined its marketing strategy and intellectual property rights.
Allegations Against Genki
According to court documents, Nintendo accuses Genki of exhibiting unauthorized mockups and renderings of the Switch 2 and its accessories. These actions reportedly infringe upon Nintendo’s trademarks, as stated in the filed lawsuit.
Edward Tsai, Genki’s CEO, faces allegations of presenting 3D-printed models and claiming access to a genuine Switch 2 device, which Nintendo contests is untrue. Nintendo contends that Genki’s assertion led consumers to believe that the company had verified information about the Switch 2’s functionalities and design.
Impact of Genki’s Actions
Nintendo emphasized that Genki’s conduct appears designed to exploit public interest surrounding the upcoming console release. The lawsuit argues that Genki used Nintendo’s trademarks inappropriately to promote its products and accessories without authorization, thereby infringing upon Nintendo’s rights.
Furthermore, Nintendo challenges Genki’s marketing activities, which suggested an insider connection with Nintendo. Genki also conducted a “Direct” broadcast shortly after Nintendo’s official reveal, which Nintendo claims misled consumers into thinking it was an official announcement.
Genki’s Response and Further Implications
In response to the lawsuit, Genki has acknowledged that it could not guarantee compatibility with the Switch 2 without illicit early access to the device. This situation raises concerns about misleading customers regarding the compatibility of its products with Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Nintendo is pursuing accountability for what it considers an infringement of its intellectual property, highlighting the significant implications of unauthorized announcements in the competitive gaming industry.