Ex-PlayStation President Reacts to Nintendo Switch 2: 'Expected More, But Not Disappointed'

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2's reveal in an interview with Easy Allies. His reaction was not as enthusiastic as some might have hoped, indicating a sense of mixed feelings about the direction Nintendo is taking with its new console.

In the interview, Yoshida expressed his belief that Nintendo might be losing its unique identity. He noted that Nintendo has historically excelled at creating innovative experiences by designing hardware and games together. However, he felt that the Switch 2, despite being a more powerful version with a larger screen, higher resolution, and capabilities like 4K and 120 fps, essentially follows the path of "making things better," a strategy commonly adopted by other companies.

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

— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025

Yoshida pointed out that while the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade for those who exclusively game on Nintendo's hardware, offering games like Elden Ring that were previously unavailable, it might not be as exciting for gamers who play on multiple platforms. He also commented on the reveal event, noting that although it attracted millions of viewers, many of the showcased games were ports from previous generations. He was particularly impressed with "Enter the Gungeon 2," praising its announcement and the game's overall appeal.

Additionally, Yoshida commended "Drag x Drive" for its quintessentially Nintendo feel. He touched on the system's pricing, highlighting differences between Japan and other regions, and expressed a personal disappointment that the Switch 2 didn't surprise everyone by deviating more from the original Switch's formula.

Despite his reservations, Yoshida acknowledged that the Switch 2 was a smart business move, likely crafted by talented designers. He recognized the system's technical improvements but felt it played it safe in ways that might disappoint fans expecting more of Nintendo's characteristic innovation. However, he noted that features like mouse controls hint at Nintendo's playful and experimental nature.

Yoshida also discussed the Switch 2's pricing during the interview, although specific U.S. pricing details are still pending. Nintendo 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, the company has a tight deadline to resolve these issues before the release.