"Ex-PlayStation President's Take on Nintendo Switch 2: 'Expected More Disappointment'"

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 nuanced and highlighted a mix of anticipation and disappointment.

Yoshida expressed that the reveal felt like a "mixed message" from Nintendo, suggesting that the company might be straying from its unique identity. He noted, "In a sense, I think Nintendo is losing their identity, in my opinion. For me, they are always about creating some new experience, like designing hardware and games together to create something that [is an] amazing new experience." He pointed out 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, and 120 fps capabilities. Yoshida felt that the core premise of the Switch 2 being simply "better" aligns more with what other companies have been doing, rather than showcasing Nintendo's innovative spirit.

He acknowledged, however, that for gamers exclusive to Nintendo's ecosystem, the Switch 2 is a welcome upgrade, especially for playing titles like Elden Ring, which were previously unavailable on Nintendo platforms. Yet, for those who game across multiple platforms, the excitement is somewhat diminished.

Yoshida also critiqued the reveal event, noting the high viewership and the predominance of ported games from past generations. He singled out Enter the Gungeon 2 as a highlight, praising its announcement. Additionally, he commended Drag x Drive for embodying the "very Nintendo" spirit.

Discussing the system's pricing, Yoshida touched on the differences between Japan and other markets, though specific U.S. pricing remains undisclosed as Nintendo has paused North American pre-orders due to new tariffs announced on the same day as the Switch 2 reveal. With the global launch set for June 5, Nintendo faces a tight deadline to resolve these issues.

In conclusion, Yoshida recognized the Switch 2 as a solid business decision driven by intelligent and talented designers. However, he expressed a personal disappointment, saying, "I was personally a bit disappointed, because they didn't disappoint everyone. Because everyone wanted that better Switch." His comments reflect a broader sentiment that while the Switch 2 plays it safe and may be a smart move commercially, it lacks the innovative edge that many Nintendo fans crave. Still, features like mouse controls hint at Nintendo's playful developer nature, suggesting that some of their quirky charm remains intact.