Nintendo’s share price surged following the Switch 2 announcement, while Hideki Kamiya voiced his anger at leakers. Dive into the details of Nintendo’s financial triumph and Kamiya's fiery response to the Switch 2 leaks.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Announcement Making Waves
Nintendo’s Shareholders Celebrate Switch 2 Reveal
The announcement of the Switch 2 led to a notable increase in Nintendo’s share price, as highlighted in a VGC interview with Kantan Games’ CEO Serkan Toto on January 16, 2025. Kantan Games, an independent consultancy specializing in the Japanese gaming market, reported the positive financial impact.
The excitement surrounding the Switch 2, even amidst leaks, propelled Nintendo's market value to new heights. The company’s share price, which averaged around $13 USD in 2024, saw a steady rise as leaks emerged in the latter half of the year. By the time of the announcement, Nintendo's shares peaked at $15.77 USD, the highest point of the previous year.
Toto attributed this surge to shareholder satisfaction with the Switch 2 announcement. "Investors were wary of another Wii U scenario, where Nintendo might experiment too much and miss the mark on consumer demand," Toto explained.
"There's a sense of relief in the financial community about the Switch 2. Investors were hoping for a more iterative approach, akin to the iPhone's updates – and Nintendo delivered on that front." While some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the Switch 2’s name and design, the clear branding may help avoid the confusion that plagued the Wii U.
Despite the positive market response, Toto noted that the leaks diminished the impact of the reveal. "The leaks in the days leading up to the announcement really spoiled the surprise for me," he admitted. "Even without the leaks, I believe the impact of this trailer didn'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 at Nintendo's direct on April 2, where specs, launch titles, and pricing will likely be unveiled.
Stay tuned to our regularly updated Switch 2 article for the latest on this eagerly anticipated hybrid console!
Hideki Kamiya's Outburst Against Switch 2 Leakers
In the wake of the Switch 2 announcement, renowned video game director Hideki Kamiya, known for his work on Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, took to social media to express his vehement disapproval of the leaks. On Twitter (X), Kamiya posted a scathing message directed at those responsible for the leaks.
"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 declared.
His frustration stems from the joy he experienced unveiling Okami at last year’s The Game Awards, an event that fortunately remained unspoiled by leaks. "Especially since we were able to enjoy the surprise announcement from Ōkami together with all the users, I truly feel this way... May all the damn leakers be cursed, one and all."
He further criticized the leakers for acting out of "selfish pleasure and self-satisfaction," suggesting that their actions could harm Nintendo's potential opportunities post-announcement. Kamiya also pointed fingers at insiders who, despite knowing about the Switch 2, chose to leak sensitive details.
Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang echoed Kamiya’s sentiments in a YouTube video two days before the announcement. "Nintendo’s been disrupted daily, for months, with these leaks, and I’m 100 percent sure they are really mad, to the most severe level," Yang stated. "We may joke around, but they are very, very, very upset by this."
Leaks in the gaming industry can dampen player excitement and set unrealistic expectations about a product's features or specifications. Nintendo has yet to comment on the impact of the Switch 2 leaks on engagement and future sales.
Speculation Surrounds Switch 2’s “C” Button
Amidst the Switch 2 leaks, one feature that has sparked considerable debate is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con, positioned below the Home Button. Two main rumors have emerged regarding its purpose: enhanced communication features and mouse-like control functionality.
The first theory suggests the “C” button, code-named "Campus," will enhance group and voice chat capabilities for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. It’s also rumored to enable screen sharing, allowing players to share their gaming experiences more easily.
Alternatively, the second rumor posits that the "C" button could transform the right Joy-Con into a mouse, improving the playability of first-person shooters and other genres. Proponents of this theory point to the Switch 2 announcement, where the Joy-Cons were shown sliding across a flat surface, hinting at this functionality.
However, Nintendo has not officially disclosed the Switch 2’s specifications and features. Fans will have to wait until the April 2 direct for more detailed insights into this exciting new hybrid console.
