- Nintendo is losing its identity, says former PlayStation boss.
- Shuhei Yoshida wasn’t too pleased with Switch 2’s reveal.
- He says the prospect of third-party games arriving on the console is less exciting for multiple console owners.
Nintendo Switch 2 followed the suit of the rest of the handheld consoles on the market by introducing powerful hardware capable of running AAA third-party games. This increase in hardware power also came with a hefty price tag of $449 for non-Japanese customers.
The reception for the handheld has been conflicting, with many expressing disappointment over Nintendo for completely shifting its focus. The former PlayStation boss has also spoken on this topic, saying that Nintendo is losing its identity and chasing power, which other companies do.
Why it matters: One of the biggest reasons why the original Switch console was so successful was the focus on casual gamers with a lower price tag. However, the newer console rendition seemingly focuses on the AAA market, which may be bad.

In a new interview, Shuhei Yoshida shared his thoughts on the Switch 2 direct and said the following:
To me it was a bit [of a] mixed message from Nintendo.
-Shuhei Yoshida
Additionally, he also talked about how the Japanese gaming giant’s shift has focused on the latest reveal:
In a sense, I think Nintendo is losing their identity, in my opinion — And because it’s a better Switch, the core premise of the whole Switch 2 is ‘we made things better’, and that’s something other companies have been doing all the time.
According to Yoshida, the powerful hardware in the Switch 2 is a good thing, as it can introduce third-party titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 to the handheld platform.

However, he calls this prospect less exciting for people who already own multiple platforms and can play those AAA titles on PCs or consoles. 71% of the first Switch owners already had other platforms to play on, further supporting his argument.
Nintendo will retain its exclusivity approach and won’t directly compete with platforms like the Steam Deck or Asus Rog Ally.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
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