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

Recent leaks about the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 have stirred up a storm within Nintendo of America, according to two former employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang. These leaks, encompassing details such as the alleged reveal date, upcoming games, and even mockups of the device, have reportedly caused significant disruption and frustration inside the company. Nintendo has labeled these leaks and mockups as "unofficial," yet they have led to a flurry of speculation and excitement among fans.

In a video shared on their YouTube channel, Ellis and Yang, both former PR managers with over a decade of experience at Nintendo, discussed the profound impact these leaks are having on the company. Yang emphasized the intensity of the situation, stating, “I am 100% sure that they are really mad, to the most severe level. We joke around about the hot exclamation mark emails. They are hot hot hot. How many exclamation marks could be at the end of this? They are very, very, very upset by this.”

The duo highlighted how such leaks create a disruptive environment for Nintendo's staff. The ongoing investigations into the leaks, especially so close to the rumored reveal of the Switch 2, are diverting attention from the crucial task of preparing for the console's launch. Yang described the internal atmosphere as a “high stress situation” and a “highly chaotic situation,” likening it to a “pressure cooker.”

Despite the chaos, Ellis reassured viewers that Nintendo has a competent team dedicated to investigating these leaks, expressing confidence that they would eventually identify the source. Both former employees dismissed speculations that Nintendo might be orchestrating these leaks, with Ellis firmly stating, “Nintendo did not do this on purpose.” He recounted the company’s emphasis on the “value of surprise,” indicating that leaking information deliberately goes against Nintendo’s core values.

The leaks are not only disrupting internal operations but also affecting how fans will perceive the official announcement of the Switch 2. Yang noted that the leaks could diminish the impact of Nintendo's ability to surprise its fans. Ellis added, “It’s impacting the way we are all going to view this official announcement.”

In light of these events, Ellis suggested that Nintendo might need to reassess its product security measures. With the last major hardware launch being the original Switch in March 2017, it's clear that the company's processes for managing hardware reveals could benefit from a review.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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While the leaks have dominated discussions, it's important to remember that Nintendo has yet to officially unveil the Switch 2. However, the company has confirmed that the new console will be backward-compatible with original Switch games and will support Nintendo Switch Online. As for the launch, it is not expected during Nintendo's current financial year, suggesting a release no earlier than April 2025.