‘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 have shed light on the impact of the ongoing Switch 2 leaks, suggesting significant internal disruption and a compromised element of surprise for fans. Recent leaks have revealed purported release dates, game titles, and even mockups of the device itself, including images of the motherboard and Joy-Cons. Nintendo has officially dismissed these as "unofficial."

In a YouTube video, former Nintendo PR managers Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, drawing on their combined decade-plus of experience at Nintendo and handling numerous past leaks, discussed the likely internal fallout. Yang stated unequivocally, "I am 100% sure that they are really mad, to the most severe level," referencing the infamous "hot exclamation mark emails" indicative of intense internal frustration.

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 highly chaotic situation...and a real pressure cooker." Ellis added, "They do have very good people who investigate these things. They will eventually get to the bottom of it."

Genki Nintendo Switch Mockup Images from CES 2025

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The leaks, they argued, significantly impact Nintendo's ability to surprise its fanbase. Ellis commented, "It’s impacting the way we are all going to view this official announcement."

Addressing speculation that Nintendo itself orchestrated the leaks, both Ellis and Yang firmly dismissed the idea. Ellis emphasized the company's strong emphasis on surprise, recalling mandatory lectures on the topic and stating, "There is absolutely nobody trying to do this on purpose. This really does have a very disruptive impact on what the company is trying to do now, which is announce and launch a new console, which is hard enough as it is."

Ellis predicted a reassessment of Nintendo's product security protocols following the extensive leaks, noting the eight-year gap since the original Switch launch in March 2017, suggesting a need for refined processes for hardware reveals.

While all information remains unofficial until Nintendo's formal announcement, the company has confirmed backward compatibility with original Switch games and integration with Nintendo Switch Online. Furthermore, a launch within the current fiscal year is unlikely, implying an April 2025 release at the earliest. An official announcement is expected in the first quarter of this year.