Xbox CEO Pledges Switch 2 Support for Upcoming Game Releases

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has publicly expressed his support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official launch in 2025. This signals a significant step in the evolving relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo.

Xbox CEO's Support for the Switch 2

Xbox to Port Games to the Nintendo Switch 2

In a January 25, 2025 interview on Gamertag Radio, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced plans to bring multiple Xbox games to the Nintendo Switch 2. He revealed pre-release support for the platform, anticipating its success. Spencer shared that he'd exchanged congratulatory emails with Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, even commenting on the Switch 2's larger screen. He praised Nintendo's innovation and expressed excitement about supporting the platform with Xbox titles. He stated, "I’m really looking forward to supporting them with the games that we have, and I just think they’re a really important part of this industry."

While no specific titles were named, this commitment builds upon Microsoft's existing 10-year agreement with Nintendo (announced February 25, 2023), ensuring "Call of Duty" will launch on Nintendo platforms simultaneously with Xbox, featuring identical content and functionality. Microsoft's current strategy of bringing titles like Grounded and Pertinent to competing platforms, including the Switch and PlayStation, demonstrates a commitment to broader market reach. Given this strategy and the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, a wider selection of Xbox games is likely to follow.

Xbox's Focus on Cross-Platform Development

Spencer also reiterated Xbox's ongoing development of new hardware, emphasizing that their success hinges on games accessible across various platforms. He believes that titles with broad platform reach are the most successful and that Xbox needs to leverage this. Spencer stated, "I want to build a platform that services those creators, the creators that are trying to meet people on every screen." While aiming to support developers targeting multiple platforms, Xbox remains committed to creating hardware that both developers and players will find appealing. He concluded, "Let’s go build innovative hardware that people want to use to play, whether that’s in their hands, whether it’s on the television, or even other places." This approach prioritizes accessibility and avoids platform exclusivity.

Expanding Xbox's Reach Across Devices

Xbox's November 14, 2024 marketing campaign, "This is an Xbox," further underscores this commitment to cross-device accessibility. Senior director Craig McNary highlighted the campaign's aim to expand Xbox's presence across multiple devices and screens. The campaign playfully showcases diverse objects (remote controls, laptops, even a cat box) to illustrate the broad scope of "Xbox." Partnerships with Samsung, Crocs™, Porsche, and others demonstrate a strategic effort to broaden Xbox's reach. This contrasts with competitors' focus on exclusivity, with Xbox actively embracing porting games to rival consoles for wider player access.