Nintendo Settles With Accessory Maker Over Leaked Switch 2 Mockups
▼ Summary
– Genki created and displayed a detailed 3D-printed mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2 at CES before Nintendo’s official reveal.
– Nintendo sued Genki for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising related to the mockup.
– Genki claimed it had not signed an NDA with Nintendo and initially believed it had nothing to worry about.
– Nintendo alleged the mockup misled consumers and caused confusion about Genki’s association with Nintendo.
– Genki has now agreed to pay Nintendo unspecified damages as part of a settlement agreement.
The gaming world was recently captivated by a legal showdown between Nintendo and accessory maker Genki, which centered on early and surprisingly accurate mockups of the Nintendo Switch 2 shown publicly before the console’s official reveal. This dispute has now concluded with a confidential settlement, underscoring the fierce protection of intellectual property in the tech industry.
At January’s Consumer Electronics Show, Genki displayed a detailed 3D-printed model of what appeared to be the next-generation Nintendo console, complete with their own branded accessories. A promotional video further showcased the device from multiple angles, drawing significant media attention. Though Genki initially brushed off concerns, claiming no non-disclosure agreement was in place, the situation escalated quickly once Nintendo took legal action.
By May, Nintendo had filed a lawsuit accusing Genki of trademark infringement and false advertising, arguing that the unauthorized mockups misled consumers and revealed confidential design elements. The complaint emphasized that Genki’s actions created confusion about an official partnership or endorsement, potentially damaging Nintendo’s carefully controlled rollout strategy.
The recently settled agreement requires Genki to pay Nintendo an undisclosed sum, resolving allegations of unfair competition linked to the early preview. While the financial terms remain private, the outcome sends a clear message about the risks of leveraging unannounced hardware for promotional gain.
(Source: Ars Technica)
