Nintendo Has Been a Strong Ally: Xbox Reaffirms Support for Switch 2

Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has once again emphasized the strong relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo as we look forward to the Switch 2. He calls Nintendo “a great partner” and expresses his personal investment and belief in the impact that Nintendo, often dubbed The Big N, continues to have on the gaming realm. However, details remain scarce about which exact Xbox games will be making their way to the Switch 2, with the rumor mill suggesting Halo: The Master Chief Collection might be included in the lineup.

As Microsoft navigates a period of declining hardware sales contrasted with an expanding game development division, the company officially embraced multi-platform publishing in February 2024. This move saw Microsoft’s first-party games, including Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves, announced for release on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Subsequently, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launched simultaneously on PS4 and PS5 in October 2024, followed by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle making its debut on the PS5 in April.

This strategic shift seems to underline Spencer’s recent affirmation of supporting the Switch 2. In a chat with Variety, he described the relationship with Nintendo as invaluable, attributing the Switch as instrumental in reaching audiences previously out of Xbox’s grasp. He reiterated being “a big believer” in Nintendo’s role within the industry and highlighted supporting the Switch 2 as a vital element of Microsoft’s gaming strategy.

Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, has also shown enthusiasm for Nintendo’s next console, reacting positively to the Switch 2’s reveal earlier in the year. Given the new system’s backward compatibility, titles like Pentiment and Grounded are set to be playable on it from day one, with Grounded having celebrated its Switch anniversary just recently.

While the exact roster of Xbox games for the Switch 2 remains a mystery, strong contenders for future releases include Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves—titles that have yet to grace the current Switch yet could feasibly run on its successor. The anticipation around Halo: The Master Chief Collection also persists, with multiple leakers suggesting it’s a forthcoming addition.

Mark your calendars for June 5, when the Switch 2 officially launches, bringing an impressive lineup of 22 games. This includes Nintendo’s own Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, alongside notable third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman: World of Assassination.