Nintendo is suing the accessory brand that flaunted Switch 2 mockups ahead of its reveal

Engadget - May 4th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against accessory maker Genki for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, alleging that Genki showcased unauthorized mockups of the yet-to-be-announced Switch 2 at CES 2025. Nintendo claims Genki falsely promoted accessories compatible with the Switch 2 without official access to the console. Despite Genki's initial claims of having access, the company later stated its mockups were based on leaked information. Nintendo accuses Genki of capitalizing on public interest and impacting its accessory sales by continuing to promote its products alongside Nintendo Direct events.

The lawsuit highlights the competitive and secretive nature of the gaming industry, especially surrounding highly anticipated releases like the Switch 2. Nintendo's action reflects its strict control over its intellectual property and branding, aiming to protect its market share and consumer trust. The legal battle could influence how accessory makers approach unofficial product promotions. Meanwhile, Genki maintains its dedication to innovation and quality, planning to fulfill orders and present new products at PAX East, despite the ongoing legal challenge. The Switch 2, now officially announced, is set for a June 5 release, with pre-orders having opened in April.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal dispute between Nintendo and Genki, focusing on the unauthorized mockups of the Switch 2. It accurately presents the core factual claims and provides a balanced view by including statements from both parties. The story is timely and relevant, addressing issues of public interest related to intellectual property rights and consumer protection in the gaming industry. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the legal arguments and evidence, as well as a wider range of sources to enhance its depth and reliability. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, with the potential to engage readers and provoke meaningful discussions about the broader implications of the case.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story presents a largely accurate depiction of the legal conflict between Nintendo and Genki regarding the unauthorized mockups of the Switch 2. The core factual claims, such as the lawsuit's basis on trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, align with the details provided in the lawsuit documents. The article accurately reports that Genki showcased unauthorized mockups at CES and initially claimed access to the Switch 2, which they later retracted. However, the story could benefit from more precise details about the specific legal arguments and evidence presented by Nintendo. Additionally, while the timeline of events, such as the announcement and pre-order dates for the Switch 2, is correctly stated, the article could enhance its accuracy by providing more context on Genki's marketing strategies and their impact on consumer perception.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the situation by presenting both Nintendo's allegations and Genki's responses. It quotes Nintendo's claims about Genki's strategic campaign to capitalize on the Switch 2's hype and includes Genki's statement defending their actions and products. However, the article could improve balance by offering more insights into the broader implications of the lawsuit, such as potential impacts on the accessory market and consumer rights. Additionally, including perspectives from legal experts or industry analysts could provide a more rounded view of the case's significance and potential outcomes.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the sequence of events and the legal conflict. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, which aids comprehension. The story effectively communicates the key points without unnecessary jargon or complexity. However, it could improve clarity by breaking down complex legal terms or implications for readers unfamiliar with trademark law. Including subheadings or bullet points could also enhance readability by highlighting essential information.

6
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including Nintendo's lawsuit filings and Genki's public statements, to support its claims. However, the story would benefit from a wider range of sources to enhance its depth and reliability. Including insights from legal experts, industry analysts, or other stakeholders would provide additional context and authority. The article does not cite specific court documents or provide links to primary sources, which would improve transparency and allow readers to verify the information independently.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the main claims and positions of both Nintendo and Genki. It outlines the timeline of events and the basis of the lawsuit clearly. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the legal arguments and the evidence supporting each side's claims. The absence of direct links to court documents or official statements limits the reader's ability to assess the story's basis fully. Providing more context on the potential motivations behind Genki's actions and the broader industry implications would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://nintendosoup.com/genki-responds-to-nintendos-switch-2-lawsuit/
  2. https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-files-lawsuit-against-genki-over-switch-2-mockup-shown-at-ces-2025-booth/
  3. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/05/the-company-that-leaked-switch-2-is-being-sued-by-nintendo
  4. https://famiboards.com/threads/nintendo-is-suing-accessory-maker-genki-the-company-that-showed-off-a-mockup-of-the-switch-2-before-the-consoles-reveal.13567/page-2
  5. https://gamerant.com/nintendo-suing-genki-lawsuit/