The Nintendo Switch might be the year’s must-buy console, but that doesn’t mean it’s all plain sailing for the Japanese gaming giant – as a new lawsuit aimed at the multinational proves.
Accessory maker Gamesvice recently began legal proceedings against the company, filing a lawsuit against Nintendo that alleges the Switch’s removable Joy-Con controllers violate a patent acquired by the comparatively diminutive firm when it was developing the Wikipad.
The suit argues that the Joy-Con’s design is too similar to one of Gamesvice’s early Wikipad concepts, which envisaged a detachable games controller working together with a device featuring a “flexible bridge section.”
But patent banter aside, what’s really interesting about the lawsuit is how much is at stake – Gamesvice is calling not only for damages, but a sweeping ban on Switch sales.
Those who enjoy a nice bit of litigation with their coffee can read the full complaint here.
While it’s unlikely to materialise, such a prohibition would no doubt dampen many a Christmas this year, so if you’re the paranoid type or are the proud owned of a particularly bratty child, you might want to snap up one of these great Nintendo Switch deals today.
In the end, the Wikipad came to life as the Wikipad 7 – a fairly straightforward gaming-focussed Android tablet that we thought was pretty tripe when we reviewed it at launch back in 2013.
Related: Wikipad 7
The Switch, on the other hand, is pretty an unmitigated joy and the one of the most innovative consoles we’ve seen in years – get it for the peerless Zelda: Breath of the Wild, if nothing else.
Do you think Gamesvice stands a chance in this David vs Goliath lawsuit? And did Nintendo do anything wrong? Tweet your thoughts to @trustedreviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
