Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire
Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 reveal, while Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of criticism towards those responsible for pre-release leaks. This article delves into Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's vehement response.
A Positive Market Reaction to the Switch 2 Announcement
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 announcement. Kantan Games, a Japanese market-focused consultancy, noted the positive impact.
Despite prior leaks, the Switch 2 generated considerable excitement, boosting Nintendo's market valuation. While 2024 saw an average share price around $13 USD, gradually rising with the leaks, the announcement pushed it to a peak of $15.77 USD – the highest point of the year.
Toto attributes this surge to shareholder relief. He explains that investors feared a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance, stemming from perceived over-innovation. The Switch 2's iterative approach, similar to Apple's iPhone strategy, alleviated these concerns. While some fans express dissatisfaction with the name and design, the clear identification as Nintendo's new console mitigates the risk of a Wii U-like failure.
However, Toto acknowledges that the leaks diminished the impact of the official reveal. He states that the pre-release information significantly reduced the surprise element, comparing the announcement's impact unfavorably to the original Switch launch in 2016. While the reveal provided limited details, a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises further specifications, launch titles, and pricing. Stay updated with our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for more information.
Hideki Kamiya's Outrage at Switch 2 Leaks
Following the announcement, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya voiced his anger towards the leakers via Twitter (X). His message was a scathing condemnation, wishing a rather unpleasant fate upon them.
This outburst stems from the positive experience he had with the surprise reveal of Okami at The Game Awards, a stark contrast to the Switch 2 situation. He believes the leaks serve only personal gratification, harming Nintendo's potential post-announcement gains. He places significant blame on those privy to the information who chose to release it prematurely.
Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video, emphasizing Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks.
The Enigmatic "C" Button
One point of contention among those who leaked information is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two main theories circulate: communication features and mouse functionality.
The first suggests a "Campus" function, providing communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including screen sharing. The second proposes mouse-like control, enhancing gameplay in titles like first-person shooters. The Joy-Con's apparent sliding motion in the announcement video is cited as supporting evidence.
However, definitive answers remain elusive until the April 2 Nintendo Direct.
