Nintendo is suing accessory maker Genki over the latter’s “Glitch 2” Switch 2 accessory range, alleging trademark infringement and false advertising under federal and California state law.
According to The Game Post, Nintendo’s lawsuit, which was filed last week, claims Genki used Nintendo’s “Switch” and “Joy-Con” trademarks in order to make it seem as though the accessory company’s products were approved by Nintendo.
This, according to Nintendo’s lawsuit, included the demonstration of what Genki claimed to be accurate Switch 2 mockups at the CES 2025 trade show, which took place prior to the console’s official announcement in January.
In the lawsuit, Nintendo goes on to say that Genki’s semi-April Fools’ Day joke, which saw it holding a suspiciously Nintendo Direct-style showcase in which it revealed a range of accessories for the so-called “Glitch 2”, was an “obvious reference” to the Switch 2.
The Japanese gaming giant says that Genki’s claims of compatibility on “day one” for the Glitch 2 range was misleading and illegal, because Nintendo hadn’t provided Genki with a Switch 2 prior to release.
This means the accessory maker either wasn’t in “possession of a genuine console” and thus couldn’t make claims of compatibility “in good faith”, or said console (or information pertaining to its specs) was “unlawfully or illicitly obtained”.
Nintendo also says Genki’s use of its trademarks would make it likely consumers would “falsely perceive a connection, association, sponsorship, or affiliation” between the two companies where no such partnership exists.
As for what Nintendo wants from the lawsuit, it’s asking the court to put a stop to Genki selling Switch 2-related accessories. In The Game Post’s words, it wants Genki to “destroy any products or ads that use Nintendo trademarks”, as well as handing over profits related to Switch 2 accessory sales.
If you’re in the mood to peruse some legal documentation, you can check out the full lawsuit here, courtesy of The Game Post.
