Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his candid thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal in an interview with Easy Allies. His reaction was not overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a perceived shift in Nintendo's approach.
Yoshida expressed that the Switch 2's reveal sent a "mixed message" from Nintendo. He feels that the company is "losing their identity" by focusing on incremental improvements rather than the groundbreaking experiences they are known for. He noted that the Switch 2, as anticipated, is essentially a more advanced version of the original Switch, featuring a larger screen, a more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K support, and 120 fps capabilities. He pointed out that even the presentation style, starting with a hardware-focused segment, mimicked other platforms.
Special guest Shuhei Yoshida gets real about the Switch 2 pic.twitter.com/CzZYPnTtue
— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025
Yoshida elaborated that while the Switch 2 is a great option for those who exclusively game on Nintendo hardware, offering new titles like Elden Ring, it may not be as exciting for multi-platform gamers. He observed that the reveal event, which garnered millions of viewers, predominantly showcased ports from previous generations, with the exception of "Enter the Gungeon 2," which he praised for its innovative announcement.
He also commended "Drag x Drive" for embodying the essence of what he considers "very Nintendo." However, Yoshida expressed disappointment over the overall reveal, noting that it didn't bring the unexpected innovation many fans hoped for.
Yoshida acknowledged the Switch 2 as a smart business move, crediting the technical enhancements to the work of talented designers. He touched on the system's pricing, discussing the differences between Japan and other regions, but emphasized that the reveal lacked the surprise factor that typically defines Nintendo's announcements.
As the discussion progressed, Yoshida recognized that while the Switch 2 plays it safe in some respects, it still incorporates elements like mouse controls that showcase Nintendo's playful and innovative spirit. However, the overall sentiment is that the system could have been more daring.
Despite Yoshida's detailed discussion on pricing, the exact cost of the Switch 2 in the U.S. remains undisclosed. Nintendo has temporarily halted 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, Nintendo is under pressure to resolve these issues swiftly.
