Shuhei Yoshida Believes Nintendo Is Losing Its Unique Identity with the Upcoming Switch 2

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Nintendo has just revealed the Switch 2, featuring improvements such as a bigger screen, a stronger processor, and compatibility with 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. These advancements are designed to provide a more seamless and vivid gaming experience than the initial Switch model. Unlike its forerunner, the Switch 2 is placing greater emphasis on third-party games, allowing popular titles like Elden Ring to be played on Nintendo systems for the first time.

In a chat on the Easy Allies Podcast, Shuhei Yoshida (former leader of PlayStation Studios) voiced some worries about Nintendo’s direction, suggesting they may be straying from their founding principles.

In my viewpoint, Nintendo seems to be straying from their unique identity. Traditionally, they’ve been about crafting novel experiences by blending innovative hardware and games. However, the anticipated Switch 2 appears to simply be an enhanced version of the original Switch: larger screen, more powerful processor, higher resolution (4K, 120fps). It even seems like they’re emulating other platforms by having a hardware specialist start the announcement stream.

(Yoshida stated this.)

The unveiling of the Switch 2 showcased technological advancements, with a hardware specialist spearheading the demonstration – a change from Nintendo’s traditional emphasis on gameplay and innovation. This modification has sparked discussions about whether the company is trying to follow trends established by competitors such as PlayStation and Xbox, who typically focus on sheer power in their gaming systems.

Instead of focusing on groundbreaking exclusive games, the attention during the unveiling of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, capable of functioning like a computer mouse, was primarily drawn towards well-known third-party titles being ported again, suggesting a broader range of potential gameplay experiences.

Yoshida pointed out the attractiveness for certain gamers. “With its increased power, it’s wonderful news if your gaming has been limited to Nintendo devices; it marks a new opportunity to experience exceptional games such as Elden Ring,” he stated.

Despite his enthusiasm for the presented lineup, he voiced doubt about the approach of showcasing older games. “While it’s thrilling in concept to have such renowned titles from the gaming industry on Nintendo platforms, what they demonstrated left me feeling…unimpressed, and I was actually perplexed.

Yoshiad went on to say, “Everyone, including publishers in the industry, should have realized that last week’s show was going to be one of the most viewed this year, with millions tuning in. This presents an incredible opportunity for debuting and launching a new game if given the chance. However, it seems that most of the games being released are just rehashes from previous generations. I can’t tell if this is Nintendo’s strategy or a decision made by third-party developers.

For a long time, Nintendo has managed to stand out by combining unique systems with creatively designed games, usually putting enjoyment ahead of technical details. The anticipated Switch 2 focuses on improving performance in response to fan feedback, but there are concerns that it may be overly influenced by competitors. Although the console boasts versatility, its reliance on ports has left some gamers yearning for more exclusive content.

You can watch the whole interview here:

And here’s the specific part in question here:

Special guest Shuhei Yoshida gets real about the Switch 2

— Easy Allies (@EasyAllies) April 14, 2025

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2025-04-15 08:14