In a recent interview with Easy Allies, former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida shared his somewhat lukewarm response to the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. His comments reflect a sense of mixed feelings about the direction Nintendo is taking with this new console.

Yoshida expressed that the Switch 2's announcement felt like a "mixed message" from Nintendo. He elaborated on his belief that Nintendo has traditionally been about crafting innovative experiences by designing hardware and games in tandem to create something truly unique. However, he felt that the Switch 2, as anticipated, is essentially an enhanced version of the original Switch. He noted the improved screen size, more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K capabilities, and 120 fps, but remarked that these enhancements align with what other companies have been doing consistently.

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 exclusively play on Nintendo hardware, the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade, enabling them to experience games like Elden Ring, which were previously unavailable on their platform. However, for those who play on other systems, the excitement might be less palpable.

He also commented on the reveal event, which attracted millions of viewers, and noted that while it was a great opportunity for game announcements, many of the showcased titles were ports from previous generations. Yoshida singled out "Enter the Gungeon 2" as a highlight, praising its announcement and development. He also appreciated "Drag x Drive" for embodying the essence of what he considers "very Nintendo."

Turning to the pricing of the Switch 2, Yoshida discussed the differences in pricing between Japan and other regions. He concluded by expressing a sense of personal disappointment, not because the Switch 2 was a bad product, but because it didn't bring the unexpected innovation that many fans hoped for. He did, however, recognize the business acumen behind the Switch 2's technical improvements and praised the intelligent and talented designers behind them.

Despite his reservations, Yoshida acknowledged that the Switch 2 still incorporates some playful elements like mouse controls and camera features, hinting at Nintendo's quirky developer spirit. As for the pricing in the U.S., Nintendo has yet to announce it due to new tariffs affecting pre-orders. With the global launch set for June 5, the company is under pressure to resolve these issues promptly.