Ex-Nintendo PR Managers Furious Over Switch 2 Leaks

Recent leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 have stirred significant unrest within Nintendo of America, as confirmed by former employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang. These leaks, which include alleged release dates, upcoming games, and device mockups, have not only fueled fan speculation but also caused considerable internal disruption. Nintendo has officially labeled these images and mockups as "unofficial."

In a detailed discussion on their YouTube channel, Ellis and Yang, both former PR managers with over a decade of experience at Nintendo, shared insights on the severe impact these leaks are having on the company. Yang emphasized the high levels of frustration within the company, describing the situation as leading to "hot hot hot" emails filled with exclamation marks. The duo highlighted the chaotic and stressful environment that these leaks create, pulling staff away from crucial launch preparations to deal with investigations.

The internal turmoil is not just about frustration; it's about the broader impact on the company's ability to maintain the element of surprise, a key aspect of Nintendo's marketing strategy. "It’s a highly chaotic situation in there right now and a real pressure cooker," Yang remarked, underscoring the intense pressure on the staff.

Despite the chaos, Ellis expressed confidence in Nintendo's investigative capabilities, stating, "They will eventually get to the bottom of it." Both former employees firmly dismissed the notion that Nintendo might be orchestrating the leaks, with Ellis stating, "Nintendo did not do this on purpose." He stressed the importance of surprise to Nintendo, recalling mandatory lectures on the topic.

The extensive nature of the leaks is prompting Nintendo to reassess its security measures for product launches. Given that it has been eight years since the last major hardware release with the original Switch in March 2017, the company's processes for handling such reveals may require updates.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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As a result of these leaks, the excitement and anticipation for the official Switch 2 announcement may be affected, according to Yang and Ellis. "It’s impacting the way we are all going to view this official announcement," Ellis noted.

Nintendo has yet to make any official announcements about the Switch 2, and all current information remains speculative. However, the company has confirmed that the yet-to-be-announced Switch 2 will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will feature Nintendo Switch Online. The console is not expected to launch during Nintendo's current financial year, indicating a release no earlier than April 2025.