Nintendo's Switch 2 Announcement Makes Waves
Shareholders Celebrate Switch 2 Reveal
Nintendo's stock price surged following the Switch 2 reveal, as confirmed by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 interview with VGC. The Tokyo-based consultancy firm specializes in analyzing Japan's gaming market.
The anticipation for Switch 2 - despite numerous leaks - has significantly boosted Nintendo's market valuation. After averaging around $13 USD in 2024, the company's shares peaked at $15.77 USD following the official announcement, marking the highest point in over a year.
Toto attributes this surge to investor confidence in Nintendo's approach: "Shareholders feared a repeat of the Wii U scenario where Nintendo's innovation outpaced consumer demand. The Switch 2's iterative design reassures investors looking for iPhone-like evolution rather than revolution."
While some fans expressed disappointment with the design and naming convention, industry analysts believe the clear branding will prevent consumer confusion that plagued the Wii U's launch.
Toto noted that leaks diminished the announcement's impact: "Even without the premature reveals, this trailer lacked the seismic impact of the original Switch's 2016 debut." Nintendo plans to reveal full specifications, launch titles and pricing during an April 2 Direct presentation.
Hideki Kamiya Condemns Switch 2 Leakers
Renowned game director Hideki Kamiya (Bayonetta, Okami, Resident Evil) launched a scathing Twitter tirade against Switch 2 leakers following the announcement: "To those who leaked Switch 2 details - may you eternally find dog waste stuck to your shoes."
The veteran developer referenced his positive experience announcing Okami at The Game Awards, which wasn't spoiled by leaks: "Sharing that surprise with fans was magical. These leakers destroy such moments for pure self-gratification."
Former Nintendo of America employees Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang confirmed the company's frustration in a pre-announcement YouTube video: "Nintendo has endured months of disruptive leaks," Yang stated. "They're beyond furious at this point."
Industry analysts warn that premature leaks can damage marketing campaigns and create unrealistic consumer expectations that don't match final product specifications.
Mystery Surrounds Switch 2's "C" Button
Leakers remain divided about the purpose of the mysterious "C" button positioned below the Home button on the right Joy-Con. Two competing theories have emerged:
The first suggests "Campus Mode" - a communication feature for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers enabling voice chat and screen sharing functionality.
The second theory proposes mouse-like controls, transforming the Joy-Con into a precision input device for first-person shooters and strategy games. Supporters point to promotional footage showing Joy-Cons gliding across surfaces.
Nintendo has kept official details under wraps, with full specifications expected during the April 2 Direct presentation.
