Xbox CEO Commits to Supporting Switch 2 with New Game Releases

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has reaffirmed his commitment to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing a strong partnership between Microsoft and Nintendo even before the hybrid console's official launch in 2025. Dive deeper into the evolving relationship and future plans between these gaming giants.

Xbox Commits to Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2

During a recent interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced his support for the Nintendo Switch 2, expressing enthusiasm about porting multiple Xbox games to this new platform. Spencer's forward-thinking approach underscores his belief in Nintendo's continued success with its innovative hybrid console. He shared insights from his correspondence with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, saying, "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 role in the gaming industry, stating, "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, Microsoft's existing 10-year agreement with Nintendo, officially announced on February 25, 2023, ensures that key games like "Call of Duty" will be available to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox releases, with full feature and content parity, as stated by Microsoft president Brad Smith.

Xbox is already expanding its reach by porting games such as "Grounded" and "Pentiment" to rival platforms like the current Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. With the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, more Xbox titles are likely to find their way onto Nintendo's new hybrid console, aligning with Xbox's broader business strategy.

Xbox's Focus on a New Gaming Platform

In the same interview, Spencer also touched on Xbox's ongoing efforts to develop its latest hardware. Despite porting games to competitors, Xbox remains committed to creating new gaming experiences. Spencer emphasized the importance of multi-platform success, saying, "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."

Xbox's goal is to craft a platform that both developers and players find appealing, with Spencer adding, "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 reflects Xbox's commitment to making its games more accessible to a wider audience while simultaneously advancing its own hardware innovations.

Xbox's Strategy to Engage More Players Across Devices

On November 14, 2024, Xbox Marketing senior director Craig McNary unveiled a new slogan, "This is an Xbox," aimed at broadening the reach of Xbox to various 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 showcased various items like remote controls, laptops, and even cat and bento boxes, playfully labeling them as what Xbox is or isn't. This light-hearted approach underscores the message that many devices can be connected to Xbox or Microsoft services. To further this initiative, Xbox has partnered with companies such as Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in entertaining and unexpected ways.

Xbox's strategy diverges from its competitors by openly porting its games to rival consoles, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for all players.