"Ex-PlayStation President Disappointed Yet Impressed by Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal"

Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, recently shared his thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal in an interview with Easy Allies. His reaction was not entirely enthusiastic, suggesting that Nintendo might be straying from its unique identity.

Yoshida expressed that Nintendo's approach with the Switch 2 felt like a mixed message. He believes that Nintendo has historically excelled at creating innovative experiences by designing hardware and games in tandem. However, he views the Switch 2 as simply an enhanced version of the original Switch, boasting a larger screen, more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K capabilities, and 120 fps. He noted the presentation of the hardware by a hardware specialist during the reveal, a tactic more commonly seen with other platforms, further indicating a shift toward industry norms.

Special guest Shuhei Yoshida gets real about the Switch 2 pic.twitter.com/CzZYPnTtue

— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025

While Yoshida acknowledges that the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade for those who exclusively game on Nintendo systems, especially with the ability to play previously unavailable titles like Elden Ring, he believes it may not be as exciting for multi-platform gamers. He pointed out that the reveal event, watched by millions, predominantly featured ports from past generations, with the exception of the highly anticipated "Enter the Gungeon 2," which he praised.

Yoshida also commended "Drag x Drive" for embodying the traditional Nintendo spirit. He touched on the system's pricing, noting differences between Japan and the rest of the world, and expressed a sense of disappointment that the Switch 2 did not bring the unexpected innovation fans have come to expect from Nintendo.

Despite his reservations, Yoshida recognized the Switch 2 as a smart business move, likely crafted by talented designers. He echoed a sentiment prevalent online that while the system may play it safe, it still includes elements like mouse controls that showcase Nintendo's playful nature.

The pricing details for the Switch 2 in the U.S. remain undisclosed, with Nintendo halting North American pre-orders due to new tariffs announced on the same day as the system's reveal. With a global launch scheduled for June 5, Nintendo has a tight deadline to resolve these issues before the release.