Switch 2 Leaks Spark Outrage Among Ex-Nintendo PR Managers

Former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of the ongoing Switch 2 leaks, highlighting the significant internal disruption and the compromised element of surprise for fans. Recent leaks have revealed purported release dates, game titles, device mockups, and even images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has officially 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 characterized by "hot hot hot" emails filled with exclamation points.

The pair detailed the disruptive effect of leak investigations on staff, creating a "high-stress situation" and a "chaotic" work environment. While acknowledging Nintendo's dedicated investigative team, Ellis expressed confidence in their ability to uncover the source of the leaks.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

3 Images

The leaks have undeniably diminished the element of surprise surrounding the official announcement, impacting fan anticipation, according to both Ellis and Yang. They emphatically dismissed speculation of internal leaks, emphasizing Nintendo's commitment to the "value of surprise" and the extensive training staff receive on maintaining secrecy.

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 significant timeframe highlights the need for updated processes for hardware reveals.

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While all information remains unofficial until Nintendo's formal announcement, the company has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. Furthermore, a launch within the current fiscal year is unlikely, pointing to an April 2025 release at the earliest. An official announcement is anticipated in the first quarter of 2024.