Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, recently shared his thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, expressing a mix of intrigue and disappointment.
In an interview with Easy Allies, Yoshida discussed his reaction to the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement. Here’s what he had to say:
"Nintendo’s reveal sent a mixed message. To me, Nintendo has always stood for bold innovation, crafting unique experiences by blending hardware and software. But the Switch 2 feels like an upgraded Switch—bigger screen, faster processor, 4K support, 120 fps. It’s impressive, but it’s what other companies do: refine and enhance. The presentation even started with a hardware focus, much like other platforms."
Special guest Shuhei Yoshida gets real about the Switch 2 pic.twitter.com/CzZYPnTtue
— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025
Yoshida noted that for Nintendo-only gamers, the Switch 2 is a win, enabling titles like Elden Ring on the platform for the first time. However, for multi-platform players, the reveal felt less groundbreaking.
"Last week’s show was one of the year’s most-watched events. It was a prime opportunity for publishers to showcase new games, but most titles were ports from older generations. Enter the Gungeon 2 stood out—it looked incredible and was a highlight of the presentation."
Yoshida praised Drag x Drive for capturing Nintendo’s quirky spirit and touched on the system’s pricing, noting variations between Japan and global markets. He added:
"Nintendo’s experiments with features like camera or mouse controls are exciting and true to their roots. Still, I felt a bit let down. The Switch 2 delivers what fans wanted—a better Switch—but it doesn’t fully embrace Nintendo’s tradition of bold surprises."
Yoshida acknowledged the Switch 2’s technical advancements, crediting Nintendo’s talented designers. The consensus echoes online sentiment: the system plays it safe, which may be strategic, but it leaves fans of Nintendo’s eccentric side wanting more. Features like mouse controls hint at the company’s playful creativity still shining through.
While Yoshida discussed pricing in his Easy Allies interview, the Switch 2’s U.S. cost remains unclear. Nintendo halted North American pre-orders after new tariffs were announced on the reveal day. With the global launch set for June 5, Nintendo faces a tight timeline to resolve these issues.