Xbox CEO Pledges Support for Nintendo Switch 2

In a significant development for the gaming industry, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has publicly announced his support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official launch in 2025. This move underscores a strategic collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo, promising exciting prospects for gamers.

Xbox Will Continue Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2

During an insightful interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Phil Spencer shared his enthusiasm for the Nintendo Switch 2. He revealed ongoing discussions with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, and expressed his admiration for Nintendo's innovation. "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 remarked, highlighting his personal excitement for the new console.

Spencer praised Nintendo's role in the gaming industry and expressed his eagerness to support the Switch 2 with Xbox games. "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 mentioned, this commitment aligns with an existing 10-year agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo, announced on February 25, 2023. Microsoft president Brad Smith confirmed that this deal ensures "Call of Duty to Nintendo Players—the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity."

Xbox's current strategy involves porting titles like Grounded and Pertinent to rival platforms, including the current Switch and PlayStation, to broaden its market reach. Given the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, it's anticipated that more Xbox games will be available on Nintendo's new hybrid console.

Xbox is Working on a New Platform

In the same interview, Spencer emphasized Xbox's commitment to developing new hardware. He stressed the importance of games that can run across multiple platforms for their success. "I want to build a platform that services those creators, the creators that are trying to meet people on every screen," Spencer stated, highlighting Xbox's focus on supporting developers who aim to reach a wide audience.

Spencer also underscored the importance of innovative hardware. "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 indicates Xbox's intention to create versatile and appealing gaming devices that enhance player experiences across various platforms.

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," aimed at expanding Xbox's reach across various devices. "This Is an Xbox invites people to play with Xbox across multiple devices and screens," McNary explained, emphasizing the evolution of Xbox into a platform that transcends traditional consoles.

The campaign, launched on the same day, humorously showcased various items like a remote control, laptop, cat box, and bento box, all labeled as "This is an Xbox" or "This is not an Xbox." This light-hearted approach underscores the broad connectivity of Xbox with different devices. To further this initiative, Xbox has partnered with companies like Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in creative and engaging ways.

Unlike its competitors, Xbox is taking a unique approach by actively porting its games to rival consoles, making them accessible to a wider audience. This strategy not only enhances Xbox's market presence but also fosters a more inclusive gaming community across different platforms.