Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed strong support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official release in 2025. Dive into the details to understand the evolving relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo.
Xbox CEO Pledges His Support For Switch 2
Xbox Will Continue Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2
In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced his commitment to supporting the Nintendo Switch 2 by porting multiple Xbox games to this new platform. Spencer's enthusiasm for Nintendo's upcoming hybrid console was evident as he shared his anticipation for its success. He mentioned his ongoing communication with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, stating, "I was exchanging emails with Furukawa-san, the CEO of Nintendo. I gave him a big congrats and said my old eyes appreciate the larger screen."
Spencer praised Nintendo's innovative approach, saying, "Nintendo, their innovation, and what they mean in this industry… I just always applaud the moves that they make. They did a little flash video, and I know we’ll get more detail over time. 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 specific titles were not disclosed during the interview, it's worth noting that Microsoft has a pre-existing 10-year agreement with Nintendo, announced on February 25, 2023. This deal ensures that "Call of Duty will be available to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity," according to Microsoft president Brad Smith.
Currently, Xbox is expanding its reach by bringing games like Grounded and Pentiment to rival platforms such as the Switch and PlayStation. Given the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, it's likely that more Xbox titles will find their way to Nintendo's new hybrid console.
Xbox is Working on a New Platform
In the same interview, Spencer reaffirmed Xbox's commitment to developing new hardware, despite their strategy of porting games to competing platforms. He emphasized the importance of cross-platform success, stating, "Games that run across so many different platforms are the most successful ones, and Xbox must capitalize on their success. I want to build a platform that services those creators, the creators that are trying to meet people on every screen."
Spencer's vision extends beyond just porting games; he aims to create a platform that both developers and players will prefer. "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," he added. This approach suggests that Xbox will continue to make its games more accessible to a broader audience while simultaneously developing new consoles or handheld devices.
Xbox Plans to Reach More Players on Various Devices
On November 14, 2024, Xbox Marketing senior director Craig McNary unveiled the new slogan, "This is an Xbox," which underscores the company's goal to extend its reach to a variety of devices. McNary explained, "This Is an Xbox invites people to play with Xbox across multiple devices and screens. It showcases the evolution of Xbox as a platform that extends across devices, with bold, iconic, fun visuals and a light-hearted tone. Launching today, the campaign will come to life in a variety of ways."
The campaign humorously depicted various items like a remote control, laptop, cat box, and bento box, playfully questioning what constitutes an Xbox. Despite the light-hearted approach, the message is clear: Xbox is connected to a wide array of devices through Microsoft's ecosystem. To further this initiative, Xbox has partnered with companies like Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in innovative and entertaining ways.
Xbox's strategy diverges from its competitors by focusing on openness and accessibility, rather than exclusivity. By porting games to rival consoles, Xbox aims to ensure that players everywhere can enjoy their titles.
