"Ex-PlayStation President on Nintendo Switch 2: 'Expected More, Got Less'"

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 not overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a sense of disappointment and concern about Nintendo's direction.

Yoshida expressed that the Switch 2's reveal sent a "mixed message" from Nintendo. He believes that Nintendo is traditionally known for creating new and unique experiences by designing hardware and games in tandem. However, he feels that the Switch 2, as anticipated, is essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch, featuring a larger screen, a more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K capabilities, and 120 fps. He noted that the presentation of the Switch 2, including a hardware-focused stream, mirrors what other platforms typically do, which he sees as a departure from Nintendo's usual identity.

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

— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025

Yoshida acknowledged that for gamers who only play on Nintendo hardware, the Switch 2 is a significant improvement, allowing them to experience games like Elden Ring that were previously unavailable. However, he believes the reveal may not be as exciting for those who game on multiple platforms.

He also commented on the games showcased during the reveal, noting that many were ports from past generations. While he found the announcement of "Enter the Gungeon 2" exciting, he questioned whether the focus on ports reflects Nintendo's direction or third-party choices. Yoshida praised "Drag x Drive" for its "very Nintendo" feel, but expressed disappointment overall, saying, "they didn't disappoint everyone. Because everyone wanted that better Switch."

Yoshida recognized that the Switch 2 is a smart business move, with technical enhancements likely crafted by talented designers. However, he feels the system plays it safe in some aspects, which might disappoint fans who cherish Nintendo's quirky and innovative side. He did note that features like mouse controls hint at Nintendo's playful nature.

The interview also touched on the Switch 2's pricing, with Yoshida discussing differences between Japan and the rest of the world. As of now, the exact price for the U.S. market remains undisclosed, with Nintendo pausing 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 needs to resolve these issues swiftly.