"Ex-PlayStation President Disappointed by Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal"

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his candid thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal during an interview with Easy Allies. His response was notably reserved, indicating a mixed reaction to Nintendo's latest offering.

Yoshida expressed concern that Nintendo might be losing its unique identity, which he believes is rooted in creating innovative experiences by designing hardware and games in tandem. He pointed out that the Switch 2, as anticipated, is essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch, featuring a larger screen, more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K capabilities, and 120 fps. He noted the presentation's similarity to other platforms, with a hardware-focused introduction, suggesting that the Switch 2's core premise is simply "We made things better," a strategy commonly employed by other companies.

Special guest Shuhei Yoshida gets real about the Switch 2 pic.twitter.com/CzZYPnTtue

— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025

He acknowledged that for those who exclusively game on Nintendo hardware, the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade, enabling them to play titles like Elden Ring that were previously unavailable. However, for gamers who also use other platforms, the excitement might be less pronounced.

Yoshida also critiqued the reveal event, noting that while it attracted millions of viewers, the majority of games showcased were ports from past generations. He singled out "Enter the Gungeon 2" for praise, appreciating its announcement and potential. Additionally, he commended "Drag x Drive" for embodying the quintessential Nintendo spirit.

The conversation also touched on the Switch 2's pricing and the discrepancies between Japan and the rest of the world. Yoshida expressed some disappointment, feeling that Nintendo played it safe rather than delivering the unexpected innovation fans have come to expect. He did, however, acknowledge the technical improvements and the business acumen behind the Switch 2's development.

Despite his reservations, Yoshida recognized that the Switch 2 includes elements like camera and mouse controls that reflect Nintendo's playful and innovative nature. The system is set to launch globally on June 5, but pre-orders in North America have been paused due to new tariffs announced on the same day as the system's reveal. As the launch date approaches, the gaming community eagerly awaits more details on the Switch 2's pricing and availability.