Xbox and Nintendo Strengthen Their Partnership
Exciting news for multi-platform gamers: Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that Xbox will support the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Spencer recently shared this commitment during an interview on the Gamertag Radio podcast, emphasizing his belief in a “game-first, not platform-first” approach. While he assured fans that Xbox hardware remains “fundamental” to the brand, he also made it clear that he isn’t interested in restricting games to a single ecosystem.
Spencer even revealed that he had personally congratulated Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa on the Switch 2’s reveal. He expressed admiration for Nintendo’s innovation and confirmed that Xbox is eager to bring more of its games to the platform.
A Growing Trend in Multi-Platform Gaming
This announcement is part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to make its games available on more platforms. The original Nintendo Switch already hosts several Microsoft titles, including Minecraft, Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Pentiment, and Grounded. With Spencer’s latest comments, it seems likely that this trend will continue and expand with the Switch 2.
Back in February 2023, Microsoft made a legally binding agreement to bring the Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo platforms for at least ten years. Given this commitment, it’s highly probable that a Call of Duty title will be among the first major Xbox games to arrive on the new console. Other big-name franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Horizon could also make their way to the Switch 2, though no official announcements have been made yet.
What Games Might Be Coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
While exact details remain unclear, speculation is already running wild about which Xbox games could be making the jump to Nintendo’s next console. Several industry insiders and leaks suggest that Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Gears of War: Ultimate Edition could be among the titles heading to the Switch 2.
Another major potential addition is Doom: The Dark Ages. According to a well-known leaker, this upcoming installment in the Doom series is reportedly confirmed for the Switch 2, though its reveal is being “deliberately held back” to avoid leaks about the console’s power. Given that previous Doom games have been successfully ported to the Switch, it wouldn’t be surprising if Doom: The Dark Ages follows suit.
There is also growing speculation that Starfield, Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG, might not remain an Xbox exclusive. When asked in an interview whether Starfield would stay exclusive “for the time being,” Spencer declined to confirm, stating that “There isn’t a specific game that he would single out… he see no reason to impose strict exclusivity and declare that a title won’t be available on other platforms where it could reach more players and contribute to their business success.”
Why is Xbox Expanding to Other Platforms?
Microsoft’s increasing focus on making its games available beyond Xbox consoles is a clear sign of a broader industry shift. Spencer reiterated that Xbox’s strategy is to allow its games to reach as many players as possible, rather than limiting them to Xbox hardware.
“What we find is we’re able to drive a better business that allows us to invest in a great game lineup,” Spencer explained. “Game Pass is an important component of playing the games on our platform. But to keep games off of other platforms… that’s not a path for us.”
This approach aligns with Xbox’s ongoing push into cloud gaming and its recent “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign, which focuses on making Xbox games available across multiple devices. Supporting the Switch 2 allows Microsoft to tap into Nintendo’s massive player base while reinforcing its commitment to making games accessible to more gamers worldwide.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Xbox?
With Xbox embracing a more open approach to gaming, some questions naturally arise about the company’s long-term hardware plans. Spencer has previously confirmed that an Xbox handheld device is in development, though details remain scarce. If Xbox is committed to supporting the Switch 2 with its biggest franchises, it’s unclear how this will impact the strategy for its own handheld console.
Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain: gamers will have more choices than ever. Xbox’s decision to support the Nintendo Switch 2 is a win for players who want to experience the best games without being tied to a single platform. As more details emerge about Nintendo’s new console and Xbox’s plans, we’ll be watching closely to see how this evolving partnership unfolds.
For now, multi-platform gaming fans can look forward to a bright future where the lines between consoles continue to blur, bringing beloved franchises to more players across the world.
Sources: Techradar, Gamesradar, Metro
Image credit: Pixabay
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