Switch 2: Nintendo losing identity? PlayStation Exec Yoshida criticizes

04/15/2025 Gaming

Hold up, gamers! It sounds like the Nintendo Switch 2 might be stirring up some controversy before it even hits shelves. Shuhei Yoshida, ex-PlayStation bigwig, has thrown some shade on the upcoming console, and it's got us thinking.

What's the Fuss About?

Yoshida's main beef? He believes Nintendo is straying from what makes them special. He argues that Nintendo has always been about innovative experiences, like motion controls (Wii, anyone?) or the hybrid handheld/TV gameplay of the original Switch. But with the Switch 2, he feels they're just playing the "bigger and better" game like everyone else.

"For me, they're always about creating some new experience," Yoshida explained. "But Switch 2... is a better Switch, right? Larger screen, more powerful processor… It's something other companies have been doing all the time." Ouch!

Third-Party Titles: A Missed Opportunity?

Yoshida wasn't exactly blown away by the third-party games shown off for the Switch 2 either. While titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring are undeniably awesome, he pointed out that they're already available on other platforms. He highlighted that while the core gamers owning multiple hardware and playing games on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, the games they showed off - especially from third parties... oh.

He acknowledged that for those who only game on Nintendo, this is a huge win. But for multi-platform players, it might not be as exciting.

A Glimmer of Hope?

It wasn't all doom and gloom, though. Yoshida did express excitement for games like Drag X Drive, highlighting the more "Nintendo" aspects like camera and mouse controls. He just feels the focus on pure power is overshadowing the company's creative spark.

So, what do you think? Is Nintendo playing it too safe with the Switch 2? Or is giving gamers what they want – a more powerful Switch – the right move?