Nintendo shares surged nearly 5% on Friday after the Japanese gaming giant reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and upgraded its full-year financial outlook, supported by robust demand for the new Switch 2 console. Nintendo Co Ltd (TYO: 7974) ended the session 4.8% higher at ¥8,011, significantly outperforming the broader Nikkei 225, which fell 0.8%. That also surpassed analysts’ expectations of ¥506.9 billion, highlighting the impact of the Switch 2 launch and healthy sales of Nintendo’s first-party games. Software sales also remained strong, with first-party Nintendo titles released alongside the Switch 2 helping support overall performance. The upbeat earnings, stronger guidance and solid early demand for the Switch 2 have strengthened investor confidence in Nintendo’s growth prospects.