Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal Delights Shareholders, Angers Kamiya

Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 announcement, while Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of fury upon the leakers who spoiled the surprise. Let's delve into Nintendo's financial triumph and Kamiya's fiery response.

Nintendo's Switch 2 Announcement: A Market Mover

A Happy Surprise for Nintendo Shareholders

Following the Switch 2 reveal, Nintendo's share price surged, as reported by Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview. Kantan Games, a leading Japanese market game industry consultancy, noted the positive impact.

Despite the pre-announcement leaks, the Switch 2 hype significantly boosted Nintendo's market value. In 2024, the average share price hovered around $13 USD, gradually climbing as leaks proliferated. However, the announcement propelled the stock to a record high of $15.77 USD.

According to Toto, this increase reflects shareholder relief. "Investors feared a repeat of the Wii U debacle—over-innovation at the expense of user demand," Toto explained. "The Switch 2 announcement, with its iterative approach, alleviated those concerns." While some fans may be less than thrilled with the name or design, the clear lineage to the original Switch avoids the Wii U's branding pitfalls.

Although the announcement was positive, Toto acknowledged the leaks diminished the impact. "The leaks certainly killed the surprise," he admitted. "The trailer's impact pales in comparison to the original Switch reveal in 2016."

The announcement offered limited details; a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises specifications, launch titles, and pricing. Stay tuned for our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for the latest information!

Hideki Kamiya's Wrath: A Message to the Leakers

Following the announcement, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya (Resident Evil, Okami, Bayonetta) unleashed a scathing social media tirade against the Switch 2 leakers. His Twitter (X) post was less than subtle: "To those who leaked Switch 2 info/were complicit, may you forever find poop on your shoes!"

His frustration stemmed from the joy of Okami's surprise reveal at The Game Awards, a stark contrast to the Switch 2 leaks. "Having shared the Ōkami announcement with fans, this feels especially egregious... May all leakers be cursed!"

Kamiya argued the leakers acted purely for "personal pleasure and self-satisfaction," undermining Nintendo's post-announcement opportunities. He placed the blame squarely on those who possessed the information and chose to violate confidentiality.

Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang corroborated this sentiment in a pre-announcement YouTube video. Yang stated, "Nintendo has been dealing with these leaks for months. They're extremely upset."

Leaks significantly harm the industry, spoiling surprises and potentially creating unrealistic expectations. While Nintendo hasn't publicly addressed the impact of these leaks on engagement and sales, the consequences are undoubtedly substantial.

The Enigmatic "C" Button: Fueling Speculation

One point of contention among leakers is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two prominent theories exist: communication and mouse functionality.

The first suggests the "C" button (codenamed "Campus") provides communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing.

The second theory proposes mouse-like controls, transforming the right Joy-Con into a mouse, particularly beneficial for first-person shooters. The Joy-Con's apparent sliding motion in the announcement trailer lends credence to this idea.

Ultimately, only Nintendo holds the answers. The April 2 Direct will shed light on the "C" button and other Switch 2 features.