Nintendo’s share price surged following the Switch 2 announcement, while renowned game designer Hideki Kamiya lambasted leakers. Dive in to explore Nintendo's financial upturn and Kamiya's fiery comments on the Switch 2 leaks.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Announcement Making Waves
Nintendo’s Shareholders Rejoice Over Switch 2 Reveal
Nintendo's share price experienced a significant boost after the Switch 2 announcement, as highlighted in a VGC interview with Kantan Games' CEO Serkan Toto on January 16, 2025. Kantan Games, a leading consultancy focused on the Japanese game market, noted the positive market reaction.
The anticipation for Switch 2, despite recent leaks, propelled Nintendo's market value to new heights. In 2024, Nintendo's shares averaged around $13 USD, but as leaks about the Switch 2 spread throughout the latter part of the year, the stock price escalated. It peaked at $15.77 USD, marking a new high compared to the previous year.
Toto attributed this surge to investor satisfaction with the Switch 2 announcement. "Investors were wary of a repeat of the Wii U scenario, where Nintendo tried to innovate too far and missed the mark on consumer demand," Toto explained.
"There's a palpable sense of relief among investors regarding the Switch 2. They were hoping for an incremental upgrade akin to an iPhone update – and Nintendo delivered just that." While some fans expressed mixed feelings about the Switch 2’s name and design, the familiar branding is expected to help avoid the pitfalls experienced with the Wii U.
Despite the positive market impact, Toto noted that the leaks diminished the excitement of the reveal. "The leaks in recent days completely spoiled the surprise for me," he said. "Even without the leaks, I believe the impact of this trailer wouldn't have matched the original Switch announcement in 2016."
The initial announcement was light on details about Nintendo's new handheld device, but a direct presentation scheduled for April 2 is anticipated to unveil more about its specifications, launch titles, and pricing.
Stay tuned to our regularly updated Switch 2 article for the latest on this exciting new console!
Hideki Kamiya’s Outrage Over Switch 2 Leaks
In the wake of the Switch 2 announcement, Hideki Kamiya, the celebrated director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, took to social media to vent his frustration at those responsible for the leaks. Known for his candid social media presence, Kamiya didn't hold back.
"To those leaking Switch 2 info and their accomplices, may you always step in poop with your shoes at home for the rest of your lives," Kamiya tweeted.
His anger stemmed from the joy he experienced during the surprise reveal of Okami at last year's The Game Awards, which remained unspoiled by leaks. "The delight of sharing Okami's announcement with fans without any leaks made this even more frustrating... May all leakers be cursed, every single one."
Kamiya criticized leakers for acting out of "selfish pleasure and ego," arguing that their actions harmed the potential opportunities Nintendo might have capitalized on post-announcement. He also pointed fingers at insiders who, despite knowing about the Switch 2, chose to leak confidential details.
Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang echoed this sentiment in a YouTube video just before the announcement. "Nintendo has been battling leaks daily for months, and they're absolutely furious," Yang remarked. "It's serious – they're beyond upset about this."
Leaks in the gaming industry can dampen player excitement and set unrealistic expectations, potentially affecting the success of new releases. Nintendo has yet to comment on the impact of these Switch 2 leaks on their engagement and future sales.
Speculation About Switch 2’s Enigmatic “C” Button
Amidst the leaks, one feature that has sparked intense debate is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con, positioned below the Home Button. Two prevailing theories have emerged regarding its purpose: communication functions and mouse-like controls.
One theory suggests that the "C" button, code-named "Campus," will enhance Nintendo Switch Online subscribers' communication capabilities, including group and voice chat, as well as screen sharing to foster a more interactive gaming experience.
Alternatively, another rumor posits that the button will enable mouse-like controls, effectively turning the right Joy-Con into a mouse for improved gameplay in genres like first-person shooters. Proponents of this theory cite the Switch 2 announcement, which hinted at the Joy-Cons' ability to glide on flat surfaces.
As of now, Nintendo has not disclosed the specifics of the Switch 2's features. Fans will have to wait until the April 2 direct presentation to learn more about this highly anticipated hybrid console.
