"Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiling Boosts Shares, Irks Kamiya"

Nintendo's announcement of the Switch 2 has sparked a range of reactions, from financial success to public outcry over leaks. Dive into the details of Nintendo's market triumph and the strong words from Hideki Kamiya regarding the Switch 2 leaks.

Nintendo’s Switch 2 Announcement Making Waves

Nintendo’s Shareholders are Happy with Switch 2 Reveal

The unveiling of the Switch 2 has led to a notable surge in Nintendo's share price, as highlighted in a VGC interview with Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, on January 16, 2025. Kantan Games, a key player in analyzing the Japanese gaming market, reported that the anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 has significantly boosted Nintendo's market value.

Throughout 2024, Nintendo's share price hovered around an average of $13 USD, but as leaks about the Switch 2 began to circulate in the latter half of the year, the price started to climb. By the time of the official announcement, the share price peaked at $15.77 USD, marking a high not seen in the previous year.

Toto attributes this rise to the relief felt by investors, who feared a repeat of the Wii U's underwhelming performance. "Investors were concerned about another Wii U scenario where Nintendo might experiment too much and miss the mark on consumer demand," Toto explained. "The Switch 2's announcement, with its more iterative approach akin to an iPhone upgrade, has reassured the financial community."

While the name and design of the Switch 2 have drawn some criticism from fans, the clear branding helps distinguish it as Nintendo's latest offering, potentially steering clear of the confusion that plagued the Wii U. However, Toto noted that the leaks preceding the announcement diluted the impact of the reveal. "The leaks in the days leading up to the announcement really spoiled the surprise for me," he said. "Even without the leaks, the trailer's impact doesn't compare to the original Switch's reveal in 2016."

The announcement provided only a glimpse into the Switch 2, with more details expected during Nintendo's direct on April 2, where the console's specifications, launch titles, and pricing will likely be disclosed. For the latest updates on the Switch 2, keep an eye on our regularly updated articles.

Hideki Kamiya Furious About Switch 2 Leakers

In the wake of the Switch 2 announcement, Hideki Kamiya, a renowned video game director known for his work on Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, took to social media to express his frustration with the leakers. On Twitter (X), Kamiya didn't hold back, cursing those responsible for the leaks with a rather colorful metaphor: "To those who leaked information about Switch 2 / those who were complicit in the leaks, I hope you'll all be cursed to always come home to find poop stuck to the soles of your shoes for the rest of your lives."

Kamiya's ire stems from his experience with the surprise reveal of Okami at last year's The Game Awards, which remained unspoiled until the event. "Especially since we were able to enjoy the surprise announcement from Ōkami together with all the users, I truly feel this way... May all the damn leakers be cursed, one and all," he added.

He further criticized the leakers for acting out of "self-satisfaction," which he believes undermines the potential opportunities Nintendo could have capitalized on post-announcement. Kamiya also pointed fingers at insiders who, despite knowing the sensitive nature of the information, chose to leak it.

Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang echoed Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video just days before the announcement. Yang stated, "Nintendo’s been disrupted daily, for months, with these leaks, and I’m 100 percent sure they are really mad, to the most severe level. We joke around but… they are very, very, very, upset by this."

Leaks in the gaming industry can dampen player excitement and set unrealistic expectations, potentially affecting future sales and engagement. Nintendo has yet to comment on the impact of the Switch 2 leaks on its market strategy.

Rumors Swirl About Switch 2’s “C” Button

Amidst the leaks, one feature that has sparked considerable debate is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con, positioned below the Home Button. Two main theories have emerged regarding its purpose: communication features and mouse-like controls.

The first theory suggests that the "C" button, code-named "Campus," will enhance group and voice chat capabilities for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. It's rumored to also enable screen sharing, allowing players to share their gaming experiences with others.

The second theory posits that the "C" button will transform the right Joy-Con into a mouse-like controller, enhancing gameplay in genres like first-person shooters. Proponents of this theory point to the Switch 2 announcement, where the Joy-Cons were shown sliding across a flat surface, hinting at this functionality.

As of now, Nintendo has not confirmed any specifics about the Switch 2's features. Fans will have to wait until the April 2 direct for more detailed information on this eagerly anticipated hybrid console.