Nintendo has fired off a bold lawsuit at Genki after the accessory maker displayed a remarkably convincing Switch 2 mockup and splashed the “Switch 2” name all over its CES 2025 booth—months before Nintendo even admitted the console existed. The claims? Trademark infringement, false advertising, and confusing the gaming crowd. Genki swears it’s just really good at guessing hardware specs, but Nintendo isn’t amused. How does this shake up accessory makers—or Genki’s odds? Stick around for the juicy details.
Even before Nintendo officially revealed the highly anticipated Switch 2, drama was already brewing in the accessory world.
In May 2025, Nintendo filed a lawsuit against accessory maker Genki, charging them with trademark infringement and imitation of the unreleased console. The legal action, filed in the US District Court in California, centers on Genki’s bold move at CES 2025—where they showed off Switch 2 mockups and claimed compatibility with accessories, months before Nintendo even let the cat out of the bag.
Nintendo alleges that Genki used unauthorized Switch 2 logos, designs, and even the console’s name, all before the Switch 2 was officially announced.
At CES, Genki’s display included a dummy Switch 2 unit, which, impressively (or suspiciously), matched the real thing’s dimensions. Their booth loudly touted “Switch 2” compatibility, leaving some attendees convinced Genki had insider info—or at least a really good crystal ball.
Genki’s CES booth flaunted a Switch 2 dummy so accurate, it had attendees whispering about insider leaks or uncanny guesswork.
Nintendo, never shy about protecting its turf, didn’t find this amusing. The company claims Genki’s display confused consumers, amounted to false advertising, and even “leaked” unreleased hardware. The lawsuit has drawn attention to the trademark rights and potential liability for damages faced by accessory makers in the gaming industry. Nintendo’s legal actions extend beyond Genki, as the company has also targeted other entities such as hackers and streamers for alleged infringement.
Nintendo is now seeking an injunction to block Genki from promoting or selling anything related to Switch 2, aiming to nip any potential confusion in the bud.
Genki, meanwhile, is playing it cool. They’ve confirmed working with lawyers but, in true legal fashion, say they can’t comment much. The company insists it’s proud of its originality and quality, promising to fulfill orders and show off products at PAX East, lawsuit or not.
The timing couldn’t be trickier, with the Switch 2 launch just around the corner. Genki’s business—and reputation—hangs in the balance, as Nintendo’s aggressive legal history suggests they’re not bluffing.
Fans online have been quick to debate whether Genki’s CES act was clever marketing or a risky gamble. Legal analysts warn that third-party accessory makers are now firmly on Nintendo’s radar.