Recent leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 have stirred significant unrest within Nintendo of America, according to two former staff members, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang. These leaks, encompassing details about the console's alleged reveal date, upcoming games, and even mockups of the device, have disrupted the company's internal operations and dampened their ability to surprise fans. Images circulating online, including those of the Switch 2’s motherboard and Joy-Con, have fueled fan speculation despite being labeled "unofficial" by Nintendo.
In a video on their YouTube channel, Ellis and Yang, who both served over a decade at Nintendo and managed numerous leaks, shared insights into the turmoil these breaches have caused. Yang emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “I am 100% sure that they are really mad, to the most severe level. We joke around about the hot exclamation mark emails. They are hot hot hot. How many exclamation marks could be at the end of this? They are very, very, very upset by this.”
The former PR managers highlighted the chaos and stress these leaks induce among staff, especially close to the console's anticipated reveal. Yang described the atmosphere as a “high stress situation” and a “real pressure cooker,” where staff must juggle leak investigations alongside their regular duties. Ellis reassured that despite the chaos, Nintendo’s investigative team is highly competent and will eventually resolve the issue.
Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025
3 Images
Ellis and Yang also dismissed any speculation that Nintendo might be behind the leaks, emphasizing the company's dedication to the element of surprise. “Nintendo did not do this on purpose,” Ellis said, noting the mandatory lectures on the “value of surprise” that staff had to attend. He stressed that nothing is more important to Nintendo than maintaining the excitement and anticipation of a new product launch.
The extensive nature of the Switch 2 leaks may prompt Nintendo to reassess its product security measures. Ellis pointed out that it has been eight years since the original Switch was launched in March 2017, suggesting that Nintendo’s processes for hardware reveals may need updating.
Nintendo has yet to officially unveil the Switch 2, but a formal announcement is expected in the first quarter of this year. What is confirmed is that the Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will support Nintendo Switch Online. However, the console is not slated for release within Nintendo's current financial year, meaning it will not launch before April 2025.
