"Ex-Nintendo PR Managers Furious Over Switch 2 Leaks"

Two former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, have shed light on the significant impact of recent Switch 2 leaks on the company. These leaks, which include alleged release dates, upcoming games, and mockups of the device, have caused considerable disruption within Nintendo, affecting their ability to surprise fans. Images of the Switch 2’s motherboard and Joy-Con have also surfaced online, intensifying speculation despite Nintendo labeling these as "unofficial."

In a video on their YouTube channel, Ellis and Yang, who have over a decade of experience with Nintendo and have managed various leaks, expressed their insights. Yang highlighted the severe frustration within the company, mentioning the intensity of internal communications regarding the leaks. "I am 100% sure that they are really mad, to the most severe level," she stated, emphasizing the high-stress environment caused by these breaches.

The duo discussed how such leaks disrupt the normal workflow of Nintendo's staff, particularly as they approach the alleged reveal of the Switch 2. Yang described the situation as a "high stress situation" and a "real pressure cooker," suggesting that the focus on leak investigations detracts from the crucial preparations for the console's launch.

Ellis acknowledged Nintendo's competent investigative team, confident that they would eventually trace the source of the leaks. Both former employees dismissed the notion that Nintendo could be orchestrating these leaks, with Ellis firmly stating, "Nintendo did not do this on purpose." He emphasized the company's emphasis on the "value of surprise" and how crucial it is to their strategy.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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The leaks have not only disrupted internal operations but also influenced how fans will perceive the official announcement, according to Yang and Ellis. As a result, Nintendo may need to reassess its product security measures, especially since it hasn't launched a console of this scale since the original Switch in March 2017.

Despite the leaks, Nintendo has confirmed certain details about the upcoming Switch 2. The console will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will feature Nintendo Switch Online. However, it is not expected to launch during Nintendo's current financial year, meaning a release date of April 2025 at the earliest. An official announcement is anticipated in the first quarter of this year.