Nintendo Sues Genki Over Secret Switch 2 Replica & Accessories Promotion

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Summary

  • Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Genki for creating a Switch 2 replica shown at CES 2025.
  • Genki’s promotion of Switch 2 accessories before Nintendo’s reveal has now led to legal action.
  • Nintendo’s legal team demanded that Genki cease advertising accessories for the Switch or Switch 2.

A legal document submitted by Nintendo has disclosed that they are taking action against accessory manufacturer Genki, as Genki had prematurely shared some details about the Switch 2 console prior to its official unveiling. Nintendo is filing a lawsuit against Genki for suspected trademark misuse, deceptive advertising, and unfair business practices related to statements made by Genki regarding Switch 2 accessories they intended to market for the upcoming system.

At CES 2025 in January, Genki garnered attention when they declared they had a real-life duplicate of the Switch 2 console, which later turned out to not be accurate as more information about the Switch 2 was released that same month. The prototype Genki showed privately matched up with leaks about the Switch 2 that were circulating at the time, such as the magnetic detachment system for Joy-Con 2 and the size of the console itself. Due to the attention generated by Genki’s Switch 2 replica, Nintendo’s legal team paid a visit to Genki’s CES booth to discuss the matter. After their meeting, Genki closed down its CES booth one day before the annual trade show ended.

A few months down the line, the dispute between Nintendo and Genki (also recognized as Human Things) escalated significantly in Nintendo’s favor. As detailed in a court filing with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Nintendo America is taking legal action against Genki, alleging false advertising, trademark violation, and unethical competition. This stems from the replica of the Switch 2, which Genki showcased at CES prior to the console’s official debut.

Nintendo Is Suing Accessory Maker Genki Over Its Switch 2 Replica

  • Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Genki with the US District Court for the Central District of California.
  • The lawsuit claimed Genki infringed upon Nintendo’s trademarks with a Switch 2 replica that was shown at CES 2025.
  • Genki’s CES 2025 claims garnered attention from fans and media outlets, prompting a visit from Nintendo’s attorneys.
  • Nintendo’s lawsuit against Genki is pending approval from a judge.

Nintendo alleges that the actions of Genki CEO Eddie Tsai on social media and Genki’s marketing of Switch 2 accessories before and after the console’s unveiling breached Nintendo’s trademark rights associated with the system. Essentially, Nintendo’s legal department is asking Genki to cease all promotion, sales, or advertising related to its accessories designed for the Switch or Switch 2.

[Switch 2] Nintendo is suing accessory maker Genki, the company that showed off a mockup of the Switch 2 at their CES 2025 booth before the console’s official reveal. Nintendo alleges that Genki violated their trademarks. — OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) 2025-05-03T16:12:05.3008271Z

In the legal dispute, Nintendo alleged that Genki intentionally posted a “Genki Direct” video on April 2 to advertise its Switch 2 accessories. This was the exact day when Nintendo officially announced the June 5 launch date for the Switch 2, along with games like “Mario Kart World”. Although the specific Genki Direct video has over 10,000 views on YouTube, the April 2 Nintendo Direct has received more than 6.5 million views in the same timeframe. As of now, the judge is yet to approve the lawsuit against Genki.

As a devoted fan, I’ve seen Nintendo triumph over rival sharehosting sites and Switch pirates, showcasing its unwavering commitment to upholding its rights. The ongoing legal battle between Nintendo and Genki is another testament to this. Only the future can reveal the outcome of this intriguing case.

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2025-05-03 22:33