Remember, back in January, when the Nintendo Switch 2 was still just a project without a name and without official information. It was at CES 2025 that the console was first revealed, via mockups from a prop maker, a few days before Nintendo officially announced it. The goal for Genki, the company behind this sleight of hand, was obviously to present and sell accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, when it wasn't even supposed to exist yet.
He who plays smart falls into the ravine
Bad news for Genki, Nintendo decided to respond to the affront by creating a legal dispute. Indeed, after several months of silence, the Kyoto-based company has just filed a complaint for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
In its complaint, Nintendo claims that Genki deliberately took advantage of the Switch 2 hype to promote its products, implying that they were endorsed by or linked to Nintendo. This strategy is considered misleading by the company, which believes that the unauthorized use of its trademarks risks misleading consumers and damaging its image. Nintendo's lawyers point out that Genki has given contradictory statements about the source of its information, alternating between direct access to the console and leaks.
The first of a long list?
The situation is all the more sensitive because Genki is not the only company to have attempted a marketing ploy on the Switch 2. Other manufacturers, such as Dbrand, have also unveiled accessory prototypes based on supposed specifications. The brand was already known for its conflict with Sony and the PS5 cases. For Nintendo, known for its rigorous defense of its intellectual property, the line seems clearly crossed.
For its part, Genki issued a sober statement on the X network, stating that it was taking the matter very seriously and was cooperating with its lawyers. The company emphasized its independence and commitment to the gaming community, ensuring that it continued preparations to showcase its products at PAX East, despite the lawsuits.
The timing is significant. The Switch 2 is scheduled for release on June 5, and pre-orders already opened in April. In its complaint, Nintendo also accuses Genki of continuing to capitalize on the console's visibility, notably by organizing an event called "Genki Direct," broadcast immediately after an official Nintendo Direct. This is a matter that will need to be closely monitored in the coming months.
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