Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal Delights Shareholders, Angers Kamiya

Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire

Nintendo's stock price soared following the Switch 2 announcement, a stark contrast to the harsh words directed at leakers by Hideki Kamiya. This article delves into Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's outspoken reaction.

A Positive Market Response to the Switch 2

As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, Nintendo's share price experienced a significant jump after the Switch 2 reveal. While 2024 saw an average price around $13 USD, gradually rising with the influx of leaks, the announcement propelled it to a peak of $15.77 USD—the highest point of the year.

Toto attributes this increase to investor relief, fearing a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. The Switch 2's iterative design, reminiscent of an iPhone upgrade, appears to have allayed these concerns. While some fans express dissatisfaction with the name and design, its clear identity as a Nintendo console is seen as crucial in avoiding a Wii U-like failure.

However, Toto acknowledges the leaks significantly diminished the surprise element of the announcement, stating its impact paled in comparison to the original Switch reveal in 2016. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is anticipated to provide more substantial details.

Kamiya's Outrage at Switch 2 Leaks

Prominent game director Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of criticism on social media, targeting those responsible for leaking Switch 2 information. His Twitter (X) post expressed his frustration, wishing a comical, yet pointed, curse upon the leakers. The contrast with the successful, spoiler-free reveal of Okami at The Game Awards fueled his anger.

Kamiya highlights the self-serving nature of the leaks, arguing they undermine Nintendo's potential gains from the announcement. He places the blame squarely on those who possessed the information and chose to release it prematurely. Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang corroborated this sentiment in a pre-announcement YouTube video, emphasizing Nintendo's extreme displeasure.

The detrimental impact of leaks on the gaming industry is undeniable, diminishing anticipation and potentially misaligning expectations with the final product. Nintendo's official response to the damage caused by these leaks is still pending.

The Enigmatic "C" Button

The Switch 2 leaks have generated significant speculation, particularly concerning a mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two primary theories prevail: communication features and mouse functionality.

The "Campus" theory suggests the button facilitates communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing.

Alternatively, the mouse control theory proposes the button transforms the right Joy-Con into a mouse, enhancing gameplay in titles like first-person shooters. The apparent sliding motion of the Joy-Cons in the announcement trailer has fueled this speculation.

Ultimately, the April 2nd Direct will clarify these uncertainties and unveil the full specifications and features of Nintendo's latest hybrid console.