Xbox Boss Backs Switch's Game Support

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer's Support for Nintendo Switch 2: A New Era of Gaming Collaboration?

Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, has publicly endorsed the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official 2025 launch. This signals a significant shift in Microsoft's strategy and opens exciting possibilities for cross-platform gaming.

Xbox's Commitment to Porting Games to Switch 2

In a January 25, 2025 interview on Gamertag Radio, Spencer confirmed Xbox's intention to bring multiple games to the Switch 2. He revealed email exchanges with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, expressing excitement about the new console and its larger screen. Spencer praised Nintendo's innovation and highlighted Xbox's commitment to supporting the platform with its game portfolio.

While specific titles weren't named, the existing 10-year agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo (announced February 25, 2023) guarantees that "Call of Duty will come to Nintendo players—the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity," as stated by Microsoft president Brad Smith. This, coupled with Xbox's current practice of releasing titles like Grounded and Pertinent on competing platforms (Switch and PlayStation), strongly suggests a broader strategy of maximizing reach.

Xbox's Multi-Platform Focus and New Hardware Initiatives

Spencer emphasized Xbox's dedication to developing new hardware while simultaneously supporting rival platforms. He believes that games playable across multiple platforms achieve the greatest success, and Xbox aims to leverage this. The company's goal is to create a platform that caters to developers seeking broad audience reach. Spencer envisions a future where Xbox games are accessible on various devices, from handheld consoles to televisions and beyond.

Expanding the Xbox Ecosystem: "This Is an Xbox"

Xbox's November 14, 2024 marketing campaign, "This Is an Xbox," underscores this multi-platform vision. The campaign playfully highlights the expanding reach of Xbox across diverse devices, from the expected (consoles) to the unexpected (remote controls, even a cat box!). Partnerships with Samsung, Crocs™, Porsche, and others further solidify this strategy.

This approach contrasts sharply with competitors focused on exclusivity. Xbox's commitment to porting games to rival consoles, including the Switch 2, reflects a bold strategy aimed at maximizing player reach and solidifying its position as a leading player in the gaming industry.