Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiled: Shareholders Soar, Kamiya Expresses Disappointment

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 against those responsible for pre-release leaks. This article delves into Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's pointed remarks.

Nintendo's Financial Triumph with 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 market reaction.

Despite prior leaks, the Switch 2 generated considerable excitement, boosting Nintendo's market valuation. While 2024 saw an average share price around $13 USD, gradually rising with the leaks, the announcement propelled it to a peak of $15.77 USD—a record for the year.

Toto attributes this surge to shareholder relief, fearing a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. He stated, "Investors feared another Wii U scenario—over-innovation missing user demands." The Switch 2's iterative design, akin to an iPhone update, appeased these concerns. While some fans critique the name and design, its clear identity as Nintendo's new console mitigates the Wii U's branding issues.

However, Toto acknowledges the leaks diminished the announcement's impact: "The leaks killed the surprise. The trailer lacked the impact of the original Switch reveal in 2016." While details remain scarce, a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises further specifications, launch titles, and pricing. Stay updated with our regularly updated Switch 2 articles.

Kamiya's Outrage Over Leaks

Following the announcement, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya voiced his fury on Twitter (X) towards the leakers. His message: "May you forever find poop on your shoes!"

His frustration stems from the successful, leak-free reveal of Okami at The Game Awards. He emphasized the leakers' self-serving motives, harming Nintendo's post-announcement opportunities. He placed 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, stating Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks.

The Enigmatic "C" Button

The Switch 2 leaks' biggest point of contention? The mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two prominent theories exist: communication features and mouse functionality.

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

Alternatively, the mouse control theory proposes the right Joy-Con transforms into a mouse, enhancing first-person shooters. The Joy-Con's apparent gliding motion in the announcement fuels this speculation.

Until April 2nd's Nintendo Direct, the "C" button's purpose, along with other Switch 2 details, remains shrouded in mystery.