‘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. The leaks, encompassing release dates, game titles, device mockups, and even motherboard and Joy-Con images, have reportedly caused significant internal disruption.

Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, former Nintendo PR managers, discussed the fallout in a YouTube video. They emphasized the intense internal reaction, describing the situation as a "high-stress situation" and a "pressure cooker." The investigation into the leaks is adding considerable strain to staff already focused on the console's launch. While confident that Nintendo's internal investigators will uncover the source, they highlighted the negative impact on employee morale and productivity.

The leaks have also compromised Nintendo's ability to surprise its fans with the official reveal. Ellis and Yang firmly dismissed speculation that the leaks originated from within Nintendo, emphasizing the company's strong emphasis on the "value of surprise."

The extensive leaks will likely prompt a review of Nintendo's product security protocols, particularly given the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch. The lack of a recent hardware launch may have exposed vulnerabilities in their processes.

A poll gauging excitement for rumored Switch 2 features is included below:

What rumored Switch 2 feature are you most excited for?

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

While an official announcement is 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 a release date no earlier than April 2025.