The enthusiasm in relation to the expectation of the release of the next Nintendo console has been Food by many leaks. And well before its release, the Switch 2 is already linked to a court case. Indeed, the Japanese giant finally decided to protect its secrets and brand image. And lately, the Japanese firm brought legal action against a manufacturer of accessories well known in the gaming world.
A complaint filed in California
Thus, Nintendo has filed an official complaint in the United States, more precisely in California. The accused is none other than Human Things, the parent company of Genki. The 27 -page complaint details several serious offenses.
Among them, we find:
- Consumer deception
- Unfair competition
- Illegal use of registered trademarks of Nintendo
It would have started in December 2024, when Genki would have benefited from legal access or not to the Switch 2, still unprecedented on this date.
Genki displays a prototype at CES 2025
Then Genki unveiled 3D models from the Switch 2 in CES 2025. The company said it had a real model in your hands. Worse still, she announced Prepare eight accessories compatible with the future console.
It would also have revealed features not yet made public by Nintendo. Moreover, Nintendo lawyers would have visited the Genki stand directly during the event. But Genki would have claimed not having signed any confidentiality agreement (NDA) With Nintendo and that no legal fault has been committed.
Nintendo denounces deliberate acts
In addition, Nintendo accuses Genki of having voluntarily sown confusion. On social networks, in his emails and even during promotional lives, Genki would have Having believed in an official partnership with Nintendo.
For example, the firm alluded to a live baptized “Genki Direct”with a logo almost identical to that of the famous “Nintendo Direct”. For Nintendo, this strategy aims to boost sales of Genki accessories.
Leaks or a stolen prototype?
The case also emphasizes the question of access to the prototype. Officially, Genki changed his speech after the incident. For his defense, the company tried to catch up by saying that its models are actually based on industrial leaks and not on a real model.
However, the complaint suggests that Genki may have got hold of a real copy of the Switch 2, before its official release.
In addition, the tone used by Genki on social networks has not helped anything.
On January 20, the company’s official account published a photo of its CEO, Edward Tsai, with legend:
The Ninjas de Genki infiltrate Nintendo’s seat in Kyoto…
Nintendo wants to keep control
On occasion, Nintendo recalled that the compatibility of any third -party accessory with the Switch 2 cannot be guaranteed as long as the console is not officially launched.
In any case, Genki is currently likely to face:
- Heavy fines
- The prohibition to market certain products
- An obligation to change your visuals and logos
And above all, the brand could Losing the confidence of a gaming community.
