Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal Delights Shareholders, Angers Kamiya

Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal: A Stock Surge and a Director's Ire

Nintendo's stock price soared following the Switch 2 announcement, a stark contrast to the outrage expressed by Hideki Kamiya towards the leaks preceding the reveal. This article delves into the financial implications and the passionate reaction from the gaming community.

Nintendo's Financial Success Post-Reveal

As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, Nintendo's share price experienced a significant jump after the Switch 2 unveiling. The price, averaging around $13 USD in 2024, climbed to a peak of $15.77 USD, exceeding any point in the previous year. This surge, according to Toto, reflects investor relief, stemming from fears of a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. The Switch 2's iterative design, reminiscent of an iPhone upgrade, appeased concerns about excessive innovation at the expense of user demand. While the design and name might not please all fans, its straightforward branding avoids the Wii U's identity crisis. Toto acknowledged, however, that the pre-announcement leaks significantly diminished the impact of the official reveal, stating that the trailer lacked the punch of the original Switch's 2016 introduction. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is anticipated to provide further details on specifications, launch titles, and pricing. Stay updated with our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for more information.

Kamiya's Outburst Against Switch 2 Leaks

Hideki Kamiya, renowned director of titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, unleashed a torrent of criticism on Twitter (X) against those responsible for the Switch 2 leaks. His message was a strongly worded curse, expressing frustration at the spoiled surprise. He contrasted this with the successful, leak-free reveal of Okami at The Game Awards, highlighting the leakers' actions as self-serving and detrimental to Nintendo's potential post-announcement gains. Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video, confirming Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks. The negative impact of such leaks on player anticipation and potential sales remains a significant concern for the gaming industry, though Nintendo has yet to publicly quantify the damage.

The Enigmatic "C" Button

The mystery surrounding the "C" button on the right Joy-Con continues to fuel speculation. Two prominent theories exist: a communication-focused function (codenamed "Campus") enabling voice chat, screen sharing, and other features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers; and a mouse-like control scheme, potentially transforming the Joy-Con into a mouse for enhanced gaming experiences, particularly in first-person shooters. The latter theory gains some credence from the Switch 2 announcement trailer, which depicts the Joy-Cons sliding across a surface. However, official confirmation awaits the April 2nd Direct.