Genki’s CES 2025 showcase of a Switch 2 mockup led to a reported legal confrontation with Nintendo.
The chatter around Nintendo Switch 2 is higher than ever, despite Nintendo’s strict silence about the highly anticipated console. Rumors have been popping up for months, with leaks hinting at everything from upgraded hardware to new features like magnetic Joy-Cons.
Fans have pieced together information from alleged developer sources and patent filings, all while Nintendo maintains a tight lid on official details. With an expected announcement this month, the hype is reaching a new high, and every scrap of potential information feels monumental.
At CES 2025, accessory manufacturer Genki showcased a physical mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2. Known for producing peripherals for gaming devices like the original Switch and PlayStation 5, the company sparked significant attention with its display and a detailed video render of the next-gen console.
However, things took a surprising turn when reports surfaced that Nintendo’s lawyers had confronted Genki over its claims.
Nintendo Legal Investigating Genki Switch 2 Mockups?
French journalist Julien Tellouck, who attended CES, revealed the story in a YouTube short. According to Tellouck, a Genki representative claimed that Nintendo had already sent lawyers to their booth.
Despite this, Genki reportedly defended its position, stating that it had no formal relationship with Nintendo. They explained to Tellouck that they had never signed any agreements with the company, such as NDAs, and therefore were not bound by confidentiality restrictions. The accessory maker maintained that its products were based on unofficial molds obtained from external sources, not from Nintendo itself.
“I spoke with the guy from Genki, just behind me,” said Tellouck. “He told me that Nintendo had already sent lawyers their way. But Genki has nothing to worry about because they’ve never signed any papers with Nintendo, no confidentiality agreement, no NDA. So, the Japanese brand is in the clear.”
It’s worth noting that this is not an official statement from either Genki or Nintendo, so we suggest taking everything with a grain of salt. Nintendo later addressed the situation, issuing a formal statement to CNET Japan: “The gaming hardware that Genki claims to be Nintendo hardware at CES is unofficial and not provided to the company by Nintendo.”
Following Nintendo’s response, Genki clarified that their mockups were not based on direct knowledge of the Switch 2 but instead relied on circulating leaks and reports.
With speculation pointing to a potential reveal this month, fans are eager to see what Nintendo has in store. The console is expected to support modern AAA games like The Witcher 4, showcasing hardware significantly more powerful than the current Switch. Reports also suggest that Nintendo plans to launch the console with two major titles.
What are your thoughts on Genki’s claims and Nintendo’s response? Let us know in the comments below!
