
Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 announcement, while Hideki Kamiya unleashed his fury on those responsible for the leaks. This article delves into Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's scathing response.
Nintendo's Switch 2 Announcement: A Double-Edged Sword
A Happy Investor Base

A January 16, 2025, VGC interview with Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games (a Japanese market-focused game industry consultancy), revealed a significant surge in Nintendo's share price post-Switch 2 announcement. While 2024 saw an average share price around $13 USD, gradually climbing with the leaks, the announcement pushed it to a peak of $15.77 USD—the highest point of the year. Toto attributes this to investor relief, fearing a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance. The iterative approach of the Switch 2, similar to Apple's iPhone strategy, appeased concerns about over-innovation. While some fans express dissatisfaction with the name and design, its clear branding avoids the Wii U's identity crisis.
Despite the positive market reaction, Toto notes the leaks significantly diminished the impact of the official reveal, contrasting it sharply with the original Switch's launch in 2016. The announcement offered limited details; a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises further information on specs, launch titles, and pricing. Stay tuned for our regularly updated Switch 2 articles!
Kamiya's Wrath Unleashed

Hideki Kamiya, renowned director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, voiced his outrage on Twitter (X) at the Switch 2 leaks. His message was blunt: a curse upon those involved, wishing them the misfortune of perpetually finding excrement on their shoes. This frustration stems from the successful surprise reveal of Okami at The Game Awards, a stark contrast to the Switch 2 situation. He criticizes leakers for prioritizing personal gratification over the potential benefits Nintendo could have reaped from a surprise reveal.
Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiments in a YouTube video two days prior to the announcement, stating Nintendo's extreme displeasure with the leaks.
The negative impact of leaks on the gaming industry is undeniable, dampening excitement and potentially creating unrealistic expectations. Nintendo has yet to publicly address the damage inflicted by the Switch 2 leaks on engagement and sales.
The Enigmatic "C" Button

The Switch 2 leaks' biggest point of contention? The mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con. Two prominent theories circulate: communication features and mouse functionality.
The "Campus" theory suggests the button facilitates communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing. Conversely, the mouse control theory posits the button transforms the Joy-Con into a mouse, enhancing gameplay for titles like first-person shooters. The Switch 2's announcement trailer, showcasing the Joy-Cons sliding on a surface, is cited as supporting evidence.
Until the April 2 Nintendo Direct, the true nature of the "C" button remains shrouded in mystery.

