Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal: A Stock Surge and a Director's Ire
Nintendo's stock price soared following the Switch 2 announcement, a stark contrast to the harsh words directed at leakers by renowned game director Hideki Kamiya. This article delves into the financial implications and the passionate reaction to pre-release information.
A Positive Market Reaction
As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, the Switch 2 reveal boosted Nintendo's share price. While 2024 saw an average price around $13 USD, gradually climbing with the influx of leaks, the announcement pushed it to a peak of $15.77 USD – the highest point of the year. Toto attributes this surge to investor relief, fearing a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. The iterative approach of the Switch 2, reminiscent of Apple's iPhone strategy, appeased concerns. While the design and name might not please all fans, its clear identity as a Nintendo successor avoids the Wii U's branding pitfalls. However, Toto notes that the pre-release leaks significantly diminished the surprise element of the official announcement, contrasting it with the impactful reveal of the original Switch in 2016. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is anticipated to unveil further details.
Kamiya's Outrage at Leaks
Hideki Kamiya, the acclaimed director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, unleashed a torrent of frustration on Twitter (X) towards those responsible for the Switch 2 leaks. His message, a colorful curse directed at leakers and their accomplices, stemmed from the joy he experienced during the spoiler-free reveal of Okami at The Game Awards. He criticizes the leakers' actions as self-serving, detrimental to Nintendo's potential post-announcement gains. Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiment in a pre-announcement YouTube video, highlighting Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks. The broader impact of such leaks on player anticipation and potential sales remains unaddressed by Nintendo.
The Enigmatic "C" Button
The Switch 2's mysterious "C" button, located on the right Joy-Con, fuels speculation. Two main theories circulate: a communication-focused function (codenamed "Campus") enabling voice chat, screen sharing, and other online features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers; and mouse-like controls, potentially transforming the Joy-Con into a mouse for enhanced gameplay, particularly in first-person shooters. The latter theory gains traction from the Joy-Con's apparent gliding motion in the announcement trailer. Definitive answers await the April 2nd Direct.
