Nintendo has initiated legal proceedings against the accessory maker Genki for showcasing a replica of the Switch 2 at CES 2025. This lawsuit arises from Genki’s promotion of accessories related to the Switch 2, which occurred prior to Nintendo’s official console reveal. Nintendo’s legal team demands that Genki halt all advertising regarding the Switch and Switch 2 accessories. The court documents filed by Nintendo allege that Genki has committed trademark infringement, false advertising, and unfair competition.
These claims stem from Genki’s assertions about the peripherals it intended to sell for the yet-to-be-launched Switch 2. At CES 2025, Genki attracted attention by presenting what it touted as an “exact” replica of the Switch 2. This replica aligned with various leaks circulating about the system, including features like the magnetic Joy-Con 2 attachment system. Due to the considerable buzz that Genki generated with its Switch 2 replica, Nintendo’s legal representatives visited the company’s booth at CES to confront them.
Following this encounter, Genki abruptly closed its booth a day before the trade show officially ended. The situation escalated when Walmart’s listings for the upcoming Switch 2 briefly went offline, adding to the drama surrounding the console’s launch. The legal confrontation reached a critical juncture when Nintendo filed its case in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It details Genki’s actions, including a “Genki Direct” video released on the same day Nintendo showcased the Switch 2’s release date, leading to significant viewing discrepancies between the two presentations.
Nintendo has requested that Genki cease all promotional activities and sales of its accessories related to the Switch or Switch 2. As the case awaits judicial approval, it remains to be seen how the legal battle will unfold.