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Accessory maker Genki has settled its legal battle with Nintendo over a prematurely revealed Nintendo Switch 2 mockup and related accessories. The settlement, announced Monday in a legal filing, concludes a dispute that began in January 2025 when Genki showcased a remarkably accurate 3D-printed model of the Switch 2 at CES, days before Nintendo’s official unveiling. Genki also preemptively marketed a line of Switch 2 accessories before the console’s launch.
Nintendo’s lawsuit, filed in May, alleged trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The company questioned how Genki obtained the specifications necessary to create such a realistic mockup, suggesting either illicit acquisition of a Switch 2 unit or misleading advertising claims regarding compatibility. While the financial terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, Genki will pay Nintendo damages and cease using names “confusingly similar” to Nintendo’s intellectual property.
Interestingly, Genki maintains it did not have access to a pre-release Switch 2. The source of their remarkably accurate mockup remains a mystery. The settlement does allow Genki to reference Nintendo branding in a limited capacity, specifically for verified compatibility claims or to clarify its role as a third-party accessory manufacturer. This allows Genki to continue operating, albeit with stricter guidelines regarding its marketing practices.
This case highlights the intense protection Nintendo applies to its intellectual property and brand image. The swift and decisive action taken against Genki serves as a clear warning to other companies considering similar actions. The incident also raises questions about the security surrounding pre-release hardware and the ethics of preemptive marketing based on potentially incomplete or unverified information.
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