Former PlayStation President Disappointed with Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his candid thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal during an interview with Easy Allies. His reaction was less than enthusiastic, expressing a sense of disappointment with Nintendo's approach.

Yoshida noted that the reveal seemed to send a "mixed message" from Nintendo, suggesting that the company might be losing its unique identity. He emphasized that Nintendo has traditionally been about creating new and innovative experiences by designing hardware and games in tandem. However, he felt that the Switch 2, as anticipated, is essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch, boasting a larger screen, more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K capabilities, and 120 fps. He pointed out the presentation's similarity to other platforms, which started with a hardware-focused stream.

He elaborated that for gamers who only play on Nintendo hardware, the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade, enabling them to play high-profile games like Elden Ring. Yet, for those accustomed to gaming on other platforms, the excitement is somewhat muted. Yoshida highlighted that the showcase, watched by millions, predominantly featured ports from past generations, questioning whether this reflects Nintendo's direction or third-party choices. He singled out Enter the Gungeon 2 as a standout, praising its announcement and visual appeal.

Yoshida also commended Drag x Drive for embodying the "very Nintendo" spirit. He touched on the system's pricing and noted the differences between Japan and other regions. He expressed personal disappointment, feeling that the Switch 2 did not live up to the anticipation of a truly innovative leap forward.

Despite his critiques, Yoshida acknowledged the Switch 2 as a solid business decision, recognizing the technical improvements as the work of talented designers. He noted that while the system plays it safe in some aspects, there are still elements like mouse controls that showcase Nintendo's playful nature.

As for pricing, Yoshida discussed it extensively, but the actual cost of the Switch 2 in the U.S. remains undisclosed. Nintendo has paused North American pre-orders due to new tariffs announced on the same day as the system's reveal. With the global launch set for June 5, the company needs to resolve these issues swiftly to meet the release deadline.