Nintendo has officially filed a lawsuit against gaming accessory manufacturer Genki, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The legal documents also unexpectedly reveal a major detail: Nintendo officially began hardware development for the Switch 2 in 2019, not long after the original Switch console launched. 
According to legal documents made public by a California court, Nintendo claims Genki launched a strategic marketing campaign starting in December 2024, aiming to boost product visibility and sales by capitalizing on the intense anticipation for the unannounced Switch 2. Nintendo states that at the January 2025 CES trade show, Genki publicly showcased accessories allegedly compatible with the Switch 2, claiming to have obtained an actual unreleased console and even allowing attendees to measure a model's dimensions.
However, Genki's public statements have been contradictory, at times implying possession of a real console, while at others denying ever holding such equipment. Nintendo emphasizes that it has never authorized Genki to use any unreleased hardware. Therefore, Nintendo argues, Genki either illegally acquired the console itself or its technical data, or it is misleading consumers and fabricating claims of product compatibility with the Switch 2.
The complaint further alleges that the images, videos, and renders displayed by Genki infringe Nintendo's copyright, leading to confusion among media and the public. On January 10, Nintendo even issued a statement clarifying: "The products displayed by Genki at CES were not provided by Nintendo, nor are they officially approved Nintendo hardware."
The controversy didn't stop there. On January 20, Genki posted a photo on its official X (formerly Twitter) account showing CEO Edward Tsai in front of Nintendo's Kyoto headquarters, with the caption: "Genki ninja infiltrates Nintendo Kyoto HQ." This further blurred public perception of the relationship between the two companies, which Nintendo views as deliberate obfuscation. 
Furthermore, Genki chose to send out a mass email newsletter and host a "Genki Direct" presentation on March 31 (the day before Nintendo's anticipated Switch 2 announcement on April 1). The name "Genki Direct" clearly mimicked "Nintendo Direct," further deepening market misunderstanding.
Nintendo has now requested a court order for Genki to cease using "Nintendo Switch" in any marketing, destroy all infringing products and materials, and pay related damages—even seeking double or triple punitive damages.
On the other hand, Genki has responded by stating it has retained a legal team, emphasizing that the company has always operated independently, is dedicated to developing innovative accessories, and "takes pride in the quality and originality of its products." While unable to comment extensively on the lawsuit details at this time, Genki confirmed it would still showcase its latest products at PAX East this week as planned.
Notably, these lawsuit documents mark the first official confirmation that Nintendo began hardware development for the Switch 2 as early as 2019, indicating that the highly anticipated next-generation console has been years in the making. The Switch 2 is expected to officially launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of £396.
via： Eurogamer.net