Former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of recent Switch 2 leaks, highlighting the significant internal disruption and compromised element of surprise for fans. The leaks, encompassing purported release dates, game titles, device mockups, and even motherboard and Joy-Con images, have caused considerable upheaval. Nintendo has officially labeled these leaks as "unofficial."
In a YouTube video, ex-Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus of experience, discussed the likely internal fallout. Yang emphasized the intense negative reaction within Nintendo, describing the situation as a "high-stress situation" and a "pressure cooker." Ellis confirmed the existence of a dedicated investigative team within Nintendo, assuring that the source of the leaks will eventually be identified.
The leaks have undeniably diminished the element of surprise surrounding the official announcement, impacting fan anticipation, according to both Ellis and Yang. They firmly dismissed speculation of internal leaks, emphasizing Nintendo's strong emphasis on the "value of surprise" and the rigorous internal processes surrounding product reveals.
Ellis anticipates a reassessment of Nintendo's product security protocols following this incident, citing the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch as a contributing factor to potential vulnerabilities.
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 release date within the current fiscal year is unlikely, suggesting an April 2025 launch at the earliest.
