Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire
Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 announcement, while Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of criticism towards those responsible for pre-release leaks. This article delves into Nintendo's financial success and Kamiya's outspoken response.
A Positive Market Reaction to the Switch 2
As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, Nintendo's share price climbed significantly after the Switch 2 reveal. Kantan Games, a Japanese market-focused consultancy, noted the positive impact on Nintendo's market valuation. While 2024 saw an average share price around $13 USD, gradually rising with the influx of Switch 2 leaks, the announcement propelled it to a peak of $15.77 USD—a record high for the year.
Toto attributed this surge to investor relief. He explained that prior concerns about a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance—due to perceived over-innovation—were alleviated by the Switch 2's more iterative design. The familiar approach, Toto suggested, reassured investors seeking a safer, "iPhone-like" product cycle transition. While some fans expressed reservations about the Switch 2's name and design, its clear lineage to the original Switch likely helped avoid a similar fate to the Wii U.
Despite the positive financial response, Toto acknowledged that pre-release leaks significantly diminished the surprise element of the announcement, stating that the impact paled in comparison to the original Switch's 2016 reveal. The official announcement offered limited details, promising a more comprehensive reveal during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd. Further information on the console's specifications, launch titles, and pricing is expected then. Stay tuned for regular updates on our dedicated Switch 2 article.
Kamiya's Outrage at Switch 2 Leaks
Following the announcement, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya voiced his fury on Twitter (X) towards those responsible for the leaks. His message was a scathing condemnation, wishing a particularly unpleasant fate upon the leakers and those who aided them.
Kamiya's frustration stemmed from the contrast between the successful surprise reveal of Okami at The Game Awards and the Switch 2 leaks. He highlighted the shared joy of the Okami announcement and expressed his strong disapproval of the leaks, which he believes served only the leakers' personal gratification. He emphasized the negative impact on Nintendo's potential post-announcement opportunities.
Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video, confirming Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks and their disruptive effect in the months leading up to the announcement.
The detrimental effect of leaks on the gaming industry is undeniable, spoiling the excitement for players and potentially creating unrealistic expectations. Nintendo has yet to publicly quantify the damage caused by the Switch 2 leaks.
The Enigmatic "C" Button
One point of contention among those who leaked information is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two main theories circulate: communication features and mouse functionality.
The first theory suggests the button, codenamed "Campus," facilitates communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing.
The second theory proposes mouse-like control, potentially transforming the right Joy-Con into a mouse, enhancing gameplay, particularly in first-person shooters. The way the Joy-Cons are depicted in the announcement has fueled speculation supporting this theory.
Ultimately, the true nature of the "C" button, along with other unanswered questions, will be revealed during Nintendo's April 2nd Direct.
