Xbox CEO Promises Switch 2 Compatibility for New Games

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed strong support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official launch in 2025. This move highlights a promising future collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo.

Xbox Will Continue Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2

In an interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced plans to port multiple games to the Nintendo Switch 2. Spencer's commitment comes ahead of the console's release, reflecting his confidence in Nintendo's continued success with their hybrid platform. He shared that he has been in communication with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, congratulating him on the new console and expressing excitement about its larger screen.

Spencer praised Nintendo's innovative approach, 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 games were not detailed in the interview, Microsoft's existing 10-year agreement with Nintendo, announced on February 25, 2023, ensures that titles like "Call of Duty" will be available to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity. Xbox is currently expanding its reach by bringing games such as "Grounded" and "Pertinent" to rival platforms like Switch and PlayStation. With the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, more Xbox titles could potentially 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. He emphasized the importance of creating games that can run on multiple platforms, 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 is to develop innovative hardware that players and developers will love, whether it's for handheld, television, or other formats. Xbox aims to make its games more accessible to a broader audience without restricting them to exclusive platforms.

Xbox Plans to Reach More Players on Various Devices

On November 14, 2024, Xbox Marketing senior director Craig McNary introduced the new slogan, "This is an Xbox." This campaign focuses on extending Xbox's reach to various devices, inviting players to experience Xbox gaming across multiple screens.

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 objects labeled as "Xbox," including a remote control, laptop, cat box, and bento box, reinforcing the message that many devices are connected to Xbox or Microsoft in some way. To further this initiative, Xbox has partnered with companies like Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in unexpected and entertaining ways.

Xbox's strategy diverges from its competitors by focusing on porting games to rival consoles, making them accessible to a wider audience rather than keeping them exclusive.