Nintendo Leak Fury: Ex-PR Managers Speak Out

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 officially dismissed these as "unofficial."

In a YouTube video, former PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus of experience at Nintendo, discussed the internal fallout. Yang described the company's reaction as "extremely upset," emphasizing the high-stress environment created by leak investigations. This added pressure, she explained, significantly impacts staff focus during the crucial pre-launch phase.

Ellis confirmed Nintendo's robust internal investigation capabilities, assuring that the source of the leaks will eventually be identified. The leaks, however, have undeniably undermined the intended surprise element of the official announcement, impacting fan anticipation.

Both Ellis and Yang firmly refuted speculation that Nintendo orchestrated the leaks, emphasizing the company's strong emphasis on the "value of surprise." They highlighted the considerable disruption caused by the leaks to the console's launch preparations. The extensive leaks will likely prompt a reassessment of Nintendo's product security protocols, particularly given the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch.

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), Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. A launch during the current fiscal year is unlikely, suggesting an April 2025 release at the earliest.