Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed his support for the upcoming Switch 2, even prior to the hybrid console's official launch in 2025. Read on to discover more about the future collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo.
Xbox CEO Pledges Support for Nintendo Switch 2
Xbox Commits to Bringing Games to Nintendo Switch 2
In a January 25, 2025, interview with Gamertag Radio, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced his backing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and plans to port multiple games to the forthcoming platform.
Spencer had already promised Xbox games for the Switch 2 before its release this year, anticipating Nintendo's success with its new hybrid console. During the conversation, he revealed he has been emailing Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. "I was exchanging emails with Furukawa-san, the CEO of Nintendo. I sent my congratulations and mentioned that my older eyes appreciate the larger screen."
"Nintendo's innovation and their role in this industry... I always applaud their strategic moves. They shared a brief promotional video, and I know more details will come in time. I'm genuinely excited to support them with our games, as they are a vital part of this industry."
While no specific titles were named during the interview, Microsoft does have an existing 10-year agreement with Nintendo, announced on February 25, 2023. This deal ensures that, in the words of Microsoft President Brad Smith, "Call of Duty will come to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity."
Currently, Xbox is expanding its reach by bringing games like Grounded and Pentiment to rival platforms, including the Switch and PlayStation. Following this strategy and considering the Switch 2's upgraded capabilities, more Xbox games will likely arrive on Nintendo's next hybrid console.
Xbox is Developing New Hardware
In the same interview, Spencer reiterated that Xbox is working hard on new hardware, even as it brings its games to competing platforms.
Spencer stated that the most successful games are those that "run across so many different platforms," and Xbox aims to leverage that success. "I want to build a platform that serves creators who are trying to reach audiences on every screen," he said.
While Xbox will focus on creators wanting to publish across multiple platforms, Spencer stressed they are building a platform preferred by both developers and players. "Let's build innovative hardware that people want to play on, whether in their hands, on a television, or elsewhere."
Therefore, Xbox will not restrict its games but make them more widely accessible, all while continuing to develop new consoles and handheld devices.
Xbox Aims to Connect with Players on More Devices
On November 14, 2024, Xbox Senior Director of Marketing Craig McNary unveiled a new slogan: "This is an Xbox." This campaign focuses on extending the Xbox experience to a broader range of devices.
"'This Is an Xbox' invites people to play with Xbox across multiple devices and screens," McNary explained. It highlights Xbox's evolution into a multi-device platform with bold, iconic, and fun visuals in a light-hearted tone. The campaign launches today and will be activated in various ways."
The announcement humorously labeled various items—like a remote control, laptop, cat carrier, and bento box—as either being or not being an Xbox. Beyond the playful comparisons, the core message is clear: many devices are connected to Xbox or Microsoft in some capacity. To bring this vision to life, Xbox has partnered with Samsung, Crocs™, Porsche, and others to "help realize the campaign in unexpected and entertaining ways."
Xbox is charting a different course from its competitors. Instead of locking games to exclusive platforms, the company is openly bringing its titles to rival consoles for all players to enjoy.
