"Nintendo Switch 2 Unveiling Boosts Shares, Irks Kamiya"

Nintendo's announcement of the Switch 2 has sparked significant reactions, both positive and negative. Shareholders are celebrating the news, while Hideki Kamiya, a renowned game director, has expressed strong disapproval towards those who leaked information about the new console. Dive into the details of Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's fiery comments.

Nintendo’s Shareholders Rejoice Over Switch 2 Reveal

The reveal of the Switch 2 has led to a notable increase 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 consultancy focused on the Japanese gaming market, reported that Nintendo's shares surged to a high of $15.77 USD following the announcement, up from an average of $13 USD in 2024.

The excitement around the Switch 2, despite pre-announcement leaks, has evidently bolstered Nintendo's market value. Toto explained that the rise in share price reflects shareholder relief and optimism. "Investors feared a repeat of the Wii U scenario, where Nintendo's experimental approach didn't meet consumer demands," he stated. "The Switch 2's more iterative, iPhone-like development has reassured investors."

Although the Switch 2's name and design have faced some fan criticism, Toto believes the straightforward branding will help consumers recognize it as Nintendo's new console, potentially steering clear of the Wii U's fate. However, he noted that the leaks dampened the impact of the reveal. "The leaks really killed the surprise," Toto commented, adding that the Switch 2 trailer lacked the punch of the original Switch's 2016 reveal.

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

Hideki Kamiya's Outburst Against Switch 2 Leakers

In the wake of the Switch 2 announcement, Hideki Kamiya, the acclaimed director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, took to Twitter (X) to vent his frustration at those who leaked details about the console. "To those who leaked information about Switch 2 and those complicit in the leaks, may you always find poop stuck to the soles of your shoes for the rest of your lives," Kamiya posted.

His anger stems from the joy he experienced with the unspoiled reveal of Okami at last year's The Game Awards. "Especially since we enjoyed the surprise announcement of Ōkami together with all the users, I truly feel this way... May all the damn leakers be cursed, one and all," he added.

Kamiya criticized leakers for acting out of "self-satisfaction," arguing that their actions undermine the opportunities Nintendo could have capitalized on following the Switch 2 reveal. He pointed out that the leakers were among the few privy to the Switch 2's details yet chose to disclose them.

Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang echoed Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video just before the announcement, stating that Nintendo was "very, very, very upset" about the leaks. Such leaks not only spoil the excitement for gamers but can also set unrealistic expectations about the console's features and specs. Nintendo has yet to comment on the impact of these leaks on its engagement and future sales.

The Mystery of Switch 2's "C" Button

Amidst the leaks, one feature of the Switch 2 that remains hotly debated is the "C" button, located on the right Joy-Con below the Home Button. Two prevailing rumors suggest its purpose could be related to communication or mouse-like controls.

The first rumor posits that the "C" button, code-named "Campus," will enhance group and voice chat capabilities for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, potentially including screen sharing features to enrich the gaming experience.

Alternatively, some speculate that the button could enable mouse-like functionality, transforming the right Joy-Con into a mouse for improved control in games such as first-person shooters. Proponents of this theory point to the Switch 2 announcement where the Joy-Cons were shown sliding across a flat surface.

With Nintendo set to unveil more about the Switch 2 during its April 2 direct, fans eagerly await official confirmation on the "C" button's function and other features of this anticipated hybrid console.