Nintendo has reportedly begun lobbying the Japanese government to address concerns surrounding generative AI and its impact on creators’ rights, as revealed by a member of Japan’s House of Representatives. This action aligns with the company’s history of rigorously protecting its intellectual property, especially in light of growing legal battles involving AI’s unauthorized use of copyrighted content. Furthermore, the Japanese government has started considering measures, with companies like Nintendo opting to avoid generative AI to safeguard their assets. The outcome of Nintendo’s lobbying efforts will hinge on how the government balances AI innovation with the protection of rights holders.
Read More
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has drawn criticism for a social media campaign that used Pokémon imagery to promote ICE deportation raids. The campaign, which included a video set to the Pokémon theme song and mocked-up “cards” featuring arrested individuals, was met with backlash, with users questioning whether DHS obtained permission from Nintendo. This move follows a reported media offensive to bolster the image of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and also mirrors previous instances of the DHS and the Trump administration using unlicensed intellectual property without permission. The use of unauthorized IP has previously resulted in complaints and legal action.
Read More
Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders for its Switch 2 console, originally scheduled for April 9th, due to President Trump’s newly implemented global tariffs. These tariffs, impacting manufacturing locations in Vietnam and Cambodia, significantly increase import costs for the console. As a result, Nintendo is reevaluating the Switch 2’s price, potentially pushing it above the already-high $449 price tag. Online, consumers expressed outrage, blaming Trump and his supporters for the preorder delay and anticipated price hike.
Read More
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been delayed until further notice due to recently imposed tariffs on Vietnamese goods, where a significant portion of Switch production is located. These tariffs, part of President Trump’s broader trade policy, significantly impact Nintendo’s pricing and thus the pre-order launch. While the June 5th, 2025 release date remains unchanged, Nintendo will reassess the situation and announce a new pre-order start date later. The situation is further complicated by global market instability and potential retaliatory measures from other nations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker