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

Two former Nintendo of America employees shed light on the impact of the ongoing Switch 2 leaks, revealing significant internal disruption and a compromised ability to surprise fans. Recent leaks have unveiled purported release dates, upcoming games, and even mockups of the device itself, including images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has officially labeled these as "unofficial."

In a YouTube video, former Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, leveraging their combined decade-plus of experience at Nintendo and firsthand knowledge of past leaks, discussed the likely internal fallout. Yang stated unequivocally, "I am 100% sure that they are really mad, to the most severe level," describing the internal reaction with a humorous yet telling reference to "hot exclamation mark emails."

The pair highlighted the disruptive effect leaks have on staff, emphasizing the added stress of leak investigations alongside regular work responsibilities. Yang described the current situation as a "high stress situation...a real pressure cooker," impacting focus on the console's launch. Ellis confirmed that Nintendo has dedicated investigators who will eventually uncover the source of the leaks.

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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The leaks, according to Yang and Ellis, significantly hinder Nintendo's ability to surprise its audience. Ellis added, "It’s impacting the way we are all going to view this official announcement." They both strongly refuted speculation that Nintendo itself is behind the leaks, emphasizing the company's commitment to surprise. Ellis recounted mandatory training sessions emphasizing the "value of surprise," stating, "There is absolutely nobody trying to do this on purpose." The leaks severely disrupt Nintendo's efforts to announce and launch the new console.

Ellis anticipates a reevaluation of Nintendo's product security protocols in response to these extensive leaks. The absence of a major hardware launch since the original Switch in March 2017 necessitates a review of their processes for hardware reveals.

While Nintendo remains officially silent, an official announcement is expected in the first quarter of this year. Confirmed details include backward compatibility with original Switch games and Nintendo Switch Online integration. However, the console's launch is not anticipated within Nintendo's current fiscal year, meaning an April 2025 release at the earliest.