Xbox CEO Promises Switch 2 Compatibility for Future Games

Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed strong support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, even before its official launch in 2025. Dive deeper into what this means for the future of Microsoft and Nintendo's collaboration.

Xbox CEO Pledges His Support For Switch 2

Xbox Will Continue Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2

In an engaging interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced his commitment to support the Nintendo Switch 2 by porting multiple Xbox games to this anticipated platform. Spencer's proactive approach stems from his belief in Nintendo's continued success with their innovative hybrid console. He shared insights from his recent email exchanges 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, announced on February 25, 2023, promises to bring "Call of Duty to Nintendo Players—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, including Switch and PlayStation. Given the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, more Xbox titles are likely to find their way to Nintendo's new console.

Xbox is Working on a New Platform

In the same interview, Spencer reaffirmed Xbox's commitment to developing new hardware while also making its games available on 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 highlighted the goal of creating hardware that appeals to both developers and gamers, saying, "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 ensures that Xbox games remain accessible to a broader audience while the company continues to innovate with new consoles and 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 aims to extend Xbox's 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 announcement humorously labeled various items like a remote control, laptop, cat box, and bento box to illustrate the wide range of devices connected to Xbox or Microsoft. To further this initiative, Xbox has partnered with companies such as Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in innovative and engaging ways.

Xbox's strategy diverges from its competitors by focusing on making its games available on rival consoles, thereby reaching a larger player base. This open approach underscores Xbox's commitment to enhancing the gaming experience across multiple platforms.