Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, recently expressed his opinions on the highly anticipated reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, and his thoughts might surprise you!

In a frank interview with Easy Allies, Yoshida described his reaction as somewhat lukewarm. He noted, "To me, it was a bit of a mixed message from Nintendo. It feels like they’re losing a bit of their identity. Historically, Nintendo has been about creating groundbreaking experiences that intertwine innovative hardware and unique games. But what we got with the Switch 2 is essentially just a better Switch. Bigger screen, more powerful processor, higher resolution, 4K support, and 120 fps—these improvements feel expected rather than revolutionary."

Yoshida elaborated on the duality of the Switch 2: fantastic for gamers loyal to Nintendo but less thrilling for those who also explore other gaming platforms. He stated, "If you only game on Nintendo, the Switch 2 is great as it finally allows access to mega-titles like Elden Ring. But for those who dabble beyond Nintendo’s universe, it’s pretty underwhelming."

He pointed out that with millions tuning in to the reveal, it was a golden opportunity for publishers to unveil new titles, yet many of the showcased games turned out to be mere ports from previous generations. This raises questions about whether this direction comes from Nintendo or third-party choices.

One standout for Yoshida was the announcement of "Enter the Gungeon 2," which he found particularly impressive. He also praised "Drag x Drive" for its quintessentially Nintendo charm. However, when it came to pricing, Yoshida highlighted disparities between Japan and global markets, leaving many eager to know the actual price for U.S. consumers after Nintendo halted North American pre-orders due to the sudden implementation of new tariffs.

Concluding his thoughts, Yoshida acknowledged that the Switch 2 was likely a smart business move, boosted by clever and skilled designers. While the system may have played it safe, offering familiar comfort rather than bold experimentation, he admitted it felt disappointing for long-time fans hoping for Nintendo's infamous quirkiness. Fortunately, features like camera and mouse controls hint at the playful spirit that still resides within Nintendo's design ethos.

With the global launch set for June 5, Nintendo has some urgent sorting out to do as the clock ticks toward the release.