‘I Am 100% Sure They Are Really Mad, to the Most Severe Level’ — Ex-Nintendo PR Managers React to Switch 2 Leaks

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 potential release dates, upcoming games, and even device mockups, including 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 internal fallout. Yang described the company's reaction as "extremely upset," emphasizing the intense internal pressure and stress stemming from leak investigations. The added workload, they explained, creates a "highly chaotic situation" impacting the team's focus on the console's launch. Ellis expressed confidence in Nintendo's investigative capabilities, assuring that the source will eventually be identified.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

3 Images

The leaks, according to Yang and Ellis, significantly diminish the impact of the official announcement, hindering Nintendo's ability to generate excitement through a carefully orchestrated reveal. They strongly refuted speculation of internal leaks, emphasizing Nintendo's commitment to the "value of surprise" and the rigorous training employees receive on maintaining secrecy.

Ellis suggested that Nintendo will likely reassess its product security protocols following this incident, given the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch in March 2017. This extended period may have exposed vulnerabilities in their hardware reveal processes.

What rumored Switch 2 feature are you most excited for?

4K upscalingLarger screenOptical sensor on JoyconMysterious "C" buttonFaster SD cardsMagnetic locking Joycon

While all information remains unofficial until Nintendo's formal announcement (expected in Q1 2024), the company has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. However, a release within the current fiscal year is unlikely, suggesting a launch no earlier than April 2025.