Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire
Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 announcement, while renowned game director Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of criticism against those responsible for pre-release leaks. This article delves into the financial ramifications for Nintendo and Kamiya's pointed remarks.
Nintendo's Financial Triumph with the Switch 2 Reveal
As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, Nintendo's share price experienced a significant uptick after the Switch 2 reveal. Despite prior leaks, the anticipation surrounding the new console boosted Nintendo's market value. In 2024, Nintendo's average share price hovered around $13 USD, gradually rising as Switch 2 leaks proliferated online. However, the share price peaked at $15.77 USD, surpassing any point in the previous year.
Toto attributes this surge to investor relief, dispelling fears of a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. Investors, he explained, favored an iterative approach akin to Apple's iPhone updates, a strategy Nintendo successfully employed with the Switch 2. While some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the console's name and design, its clear lineage to the original Switch likely mitigated the risk of a Wii U-like failure.
Despite the positive market reaction, Toto acknowledged that the leaks diminished the impact of the official announcement. He noted that the reveal lacked the same punch as the original Switch's 2016 unveiling. The announcement provided limited details, promising a more comprehensive reveal during a Nintendo Direct on April 2nd. This Direct is expected to clarify specifications, launch titles, and pricing. For further updates, regularly check our dedicated Switch 2 news section.
Hideki Kamiya's Outrage Over Switch 2 Leaks
Following the announcement, Hideki Kamiya, the acclaimed director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, publicly lambasted the Switch 2 leakers on Twitter (X). His message was a scathing condemnation, wishing a humorous but pointed curse upon them.
Kamiya's frustration stemmed from the positive experience of unveiling Okami at The Game Awards without prior leaks. He highlighted the leakers' actions as self-serving, detrimental to Nintendo's post-announcement opportunities. He placed the blame squarely on those who possessed the information and chose to disclose it prematurely.
Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video released two days before the announcement, confirming Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks.
The Enigmatic "C" Button
One point of contention among those who leaked Switch 2 information is the mysterious "C" button situated on the right Joy-Con. Two primary theories have emerged: communication features and mouse functionality.
The first suggests the button, codenamed "Campus," enables communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing.
The second theory proposes mouse-like control, effectively transforming the right Joy-Con into a mouse, enhancing the experience for games like first-person shooters. The way the Joy-Cons are depicted in the announcement trailer has fueled this speculation.
Ultimately, the true nature of the "C" button, along with other unanswered questions, will be revealed during Nintendo's April 2nd Direct.
