Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire
Nintendo's stock price soared following the Switch 2 reveal, while Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of criticism towards those responsible for pre-release leaks. 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 stock price experienced a significant increase post-announcement. Despite prior leaks, the anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 boosted the company's market value. In 2024, Nintendo's average share price hovered around $13 USD, gradually rising as leaks proliferated online. However, the stock reached a peak of $15.77 USD, surpassing any point in the previous year.
Toto attributes this surge to shareholder relief, fearing a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. Investors favored an iterative approach, similar to Apple's iPhone strategy, and Nintendo delivered on that expectation. While some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the Switch 2's name and design, its clear identity as Nintendo's new console could avert a Wii U-like failure.
Toto acknowledged that the leaks diminished the impact of the official reveal, stating that the announcement trailer lacked the punch of the original Switch's 2016 unveiling. While the announcement offered limited details, a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises further information on specifications, launch titles, and pricing. Stay updated on our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for more information.
Kamiya's Outrage Over Leaks
Following the announcement, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya voiced his fury towards the leakers on Twitter (X). His message was a scathing condemnation, expressing his hope that the leakers would face a continuous string of unfortunate events.
This frustration stemmed from the joy he experienced during the surprise reveal of Okami at The Game Awards, an event unspoiled by leaks. Kamiya believes the leakers acted purely for personal gratification, undermining potential benefits Nintendo could have gained from a more impactful announcement. He directly blamed them for prematurely revealing confidential information.
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. They emphasized the significant disruption caused by the continuous leaks over several months.
The negative impact of leaks on the gaming industry is undeniable, diminishing player excitement and potentially creating unrealistic expectations. Nintendo has yet to comment on the extent of 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 prevail: communication features and mouse functionality.
The first 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 in titles like first-person shooters. The way the Joy-Cons are depicted in the announcement trailer lends some credence to this theory.
Ultimately, only Nintendo holds the definitive answers. The April 2 Nintendo Direct is eagerly awaited to clarify these uncertainties and provide a comprehensive overview of the Switch 2.
