Xbox and Nintendo Deliver Major Shocks to Former PlayStation Exec Shuhei Yoshida

Shuhei Yoshida, ex-president of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, shared that Nintendo and Xbox triggered the most unnerving moments of his extensive PlayStation career.

In a MinnMax interview, Yoshida described the Xbox 360’s launch, a year ahead of the PlayStation 3, as “deeply unsettling.” Gamers eyeing Sony’s console faced a significant delay in experiencing next-gen gaming.

Yet, Yoshida pinpointed Nintendo’s reveal of Monster Hunter 4 as a 3DS exclusive as “the most shocking competitive announcement” he encountered. “It hit hard,” he admitted.

Monster Hunter dominated on the PlayStation Portable, boasting two exclusive titles, but Yoshida was blindsided by Nintendo securing the next installment for its console. Compounding the blow, Nintendo slashed the 3DS price by $100, undercutting the PlayStation Vita significantly.

“Both the Nintendo 3DS and Vita launched at $250, but Nintendo cut $100,” Yoshida recalled. “I was stunned. Then they announced the biggest PSP game, Monster Hunter, as a 3DS exclusive. I thought, ‘This is bad.’”

Yoshida retired in January after over three decades with Sony, where he became a cherished PlayStation figurehead. His departure has freed him to share candid insights like these.

Yoshida also revealed he would have pushed back against Sony’s controversial live service strategy and offered his perspective on why a remake or sequel to the cult classic Bloodborne remains unlikely.