Former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of recent Switch 2 leaks, highlighting significant internal disruption and the compromised element of surprise for fans. Leaks have revealed purported release dates, upcoming games, and even device mockups, including images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has dismissed these as "unofficial."
In a YouTube video, ex-Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus of experience, discussed the likely internal fallout. Yang stated unequivocally that Nintendo is "really mad," describing the internal communication as intensely critical.
The pair emphasized the disruptive effect leaks have on staff, noting the added pressure of investigations alongside regular duties. Yang described a "high-stress situation" and a "chaotic" work environment. Ellis, however, expressed confidence in Nintendo's investigative capabilities, stating they will ultimately uncover the source.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
3 Images
The leaks, they agreed, significantly impact the planned surprise element of the official announcement. Both Ellis and Yang firmly dismissed speculation of internal leaks, emphasizing Nintendo's dedication to the "value of surprise" and the extensive training staff receive on this matter.
Ellis suggested that Nintendo will likely reassess its product security protocols in light of these extensive leaks, given the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch in March 2017. This extended timeframe may necessitate improvements to their hardware reveal processes.
While all information remains unofficial pending an official announcement, Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. A launch is not anticipated within the current fiscal year, indicating an April 2025 release at the earliest. An official announcement is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
