Nintendo's Switch 2: Rumors Surfacing for Early Reveal

Nintendo's Switch 2 Unveiling: A Stock Surge and Kamiya's Ire

The recent unveiling of Nintendo's Switch 2 has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, impacting both investor sentiment and the temper of prominent game developers. Let's delve into the details.

A Positive Market Reaction

As reported by Kantan Games CEO Serkan Toto in a January 16, 2025 VGC interview, Nintendo's share price experienced a notable increase following the Switch 2 announcement. This surge, reaching a peak of $15.77 USD, is significantly higher than the 2024 average of approximately $13 USD. This positive market response is largely attributed to investor relief, stemming from fears of a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. The iterative approach taken with the Switch 2, perceived as more user-focused, appears to have calmed investor anxieties. While Toto acknowledges that pre-announcement leaks diminished the surprise element, he emphasizes that the reveal still generated a positive market impact, albeit less impactful than the original Switch launch.

The official announcement, while light on specifics, has generated anticipation for the April 2nd Nintendo Direct, promising a deeper dive into the console's specifications, launch titles, and pricing.

Kamiya's Outrage at Leaks

Hideki Kamiya, renowned director of titles such as Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, unleashed a torrent of criticism on social media, specifically targeting those responsible for leaking Switch 2 information. His strongly worded condemnation highlights the frustration felt by developers when the surprise and excitement surrounding a reveal are undermined by leaks. He contrasted this with the positive experience of unveiling Okami at The Game Awards without prior leaks. Kamiya's comments underscore the detrimental effect leaks have on the industry, robbing developers and publishers of the intended impact of their announcements.

Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a pre-announcement YouTube video, confirming Nintendo's significant displeasure with the leaks.

The Enigmatic "C" Button

One element fueling speculation is the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two prominent theories have emerged: a communication-focused function (potentially linked to Nintendo Switch Online features like voice chat and screen sharing), and mouse-like control functionality, potentially enhancing the gaming experience for titles like first-person shooters.

The April 2nd Direct is expected to clarify these and other outstanding questions surrounding Nintendo's latest hybrid console.