"Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiling Boosts Shares, Irks Kamiya"

Nintendo's announcement of the Switch 2 has sparked a range of reactions, from delight among shareholders to frustration from industry insiders like Hideki Kamiya. Dive deeper to understand the financial implications and the heated response to the leaks surrounding the Switch 2.

Nintendo’s Switch 2 Announcement Making Waves

Nintendo’s Shareholders Thrilled with Switch 2 Reveal

The unveiling of the Switch 2 led to a notable surge in Nintendo's share price, as highlighted in a VGC interview with Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, on January 16, 2025. Kantan Games, a leading consultancy focused on the Japanese gaming market, provided insights into the market's reaction.

The anticipation for the Switch 2, despite the leaks, has significantly boosted Nintendo's market value. In 2024, the company's share price hovered around $13 USD, but as leaks about the Switch 2 proliferated in the latter half of the year, the price climbed. By the time of the official announcement, it reached a peak of $15.77 USD, surpassing any point in the previous year.

Toto attributes this rise to the relief felt by investors, who feared a repeat of the Wii U's underwhelming performance. "Investors were wary of another Wii U scenario where Nintendo might experiment too much and miss the mark on consumer demand," Toto explained. "The Switch 2's announcement, with its more iterative approach akin to an iPhone upgrade, has reassured the financial community."

While some fans have expressed mixed feelings about the Switch 2's name and design, the clear branding helps distinguish it as Nintendo's latest console, potentially steering clear of the confusion that plagued the Wii U. However, Toto noted that the leaks dampened the excitement of the reveal. "The leaks in the days leading up to the announcement really spoiled the surprise," he said. "Even without the leaks, the impact of this trailer doesn't match the excitement of the original Switch reveal in 2016."

The announcement provided only a glimpse into the Switch 2, with more details expected during Nintendo's direct on April 2, where the console's specs, launch titles, and pricing will likely be disclosed. Stay tuned to our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for the latest information on this eagerly awaited hybrid console.

Hideki Kamiya's Outrage Over Switch 2 Leaks

In the wake of the Switch 2 announcement, Hideki Kamiya, a renowned video game director known for titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, took to social media to vent his frustration at the leakers. On Twitter (X), Kamiya didn't hold back, cursing those responsible for the leaks with a uniquely vivid metaphor: "To those who leaked information about Switch 2 and those complicit in the leaks, I hope you'll all be cursed to always come home to find poop stuck to the soles of your shoes for the rest of your lives."

Kamiya's ire stems from his experience with the surprise reveal of Okami at last year's The Game Awards, which remained unspoiled until the event. "The joy of sharing the Okami announcement with fans was something special," he reflected. "These leakers are only in it for their own pleasure and self-satisfaction, which harms the opportunities Nintendo could have capitalized on with the Switch 2 announcement."

He also pointed fingers at those within the industry who had access to the information yet chose to leak it. Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang echoed this sentiment in a YouTube video just days before the announcement, noting Nintendo's deep frustration with the leaks. "Nintendo has been dealing with these leaks for months, and they are beyond upset," Yang stated. "It's no laughing matter; they are very, very upset."

Leaks in the gaming industry can dampen player excitement and set unrealistic expectations, potentially affecting future sales and engagement. Nintendo has yet to comment officially on the impact of the Switch 2 leaks.

Speculation Surrounds Switch 2’s “C” Button

Amidst the leaks, one feature that has sparked considerable debate is the "C" button on the right Joy-Con, positioned below the Home Button. Two main theories have emerged: one suggesting it's related to communication features, and the other proposing it could function as a mouse control.

The first theory posits that the "C" button, code-named "Campus," will enhance group and voice chat capabilities for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, possibly including screen sharing to enrich the gaming experience.

The second theory suggests the button could transform the right Joy-Con into a mouse-like controller, enhancing gameplay in genres like first-person shooters. Proponents of this theory point to the Switch 2 announcement, where the Joy-Cons were shown sliding across a surface, hinting at this functionality.

As of now, Nintendo has not confirmed any specifics about the Switch 2's features. Fans will have to wait until the April 2 direct for more detailed information on this highly anticipated hybrid console.