Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed his support for the forthcoming Switch 2, even before the hybrid console officially launches in 2025. Discover more about the evolving relationship between Microsoft and Nintendo.
Xbox CEO Commits Support to Nintendo's Switch 2
Xbox to Continue Bringing Games to Nintendo Switch 2
In a January 25, 2025 interview with Gamertag Radio, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer confirmed Microsoft's backing for the Nintendo Switch 2 and outlined plans to port multiple games to the upcoming platform.
Spencer had already committed to bringing Xbox games to Switch 2 ahead of its release this year, anticipating Nintendo's success with its new hybrid console. During the discussion, Spencer shared that he has been in email contact with Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa. "I've been exchanging emails with Furukawa-san, Nintendo's CEO. I congratulated him and mentioned that my older eyes appreciate the larger screen."
"Nintendo's innovation and their role in this industry... I consistently applaud their strategic moves. They released a brief promotional video, and I expect we'll see more details emerge over time. I'm genuinely excited to support them with our game titles—they're truly an essential part of our industry."
While specific game titles weren't disclosed during the interview, Microsoft and Nintendo already have an existing 10-year agreement that was formally announced on February 25, 2023. This arrangement ensures that "Call of Duty will come to Nintendo players simultaneously with Xbox releases, offering full feature and content parity," according to Microsoft President Brad Smith.
Currently, Xbox is expanding its market presence by bringing games like Grounded and Pentiment to competing platforms including Switch and PlayStation. Aligned with this business approach and the enhanced capabilities of Switch 2, additional Xbox titles may find their way to Nintendo's next-generation hybrid console.
Xbox Develops New Gaming Platform
During the same interview, Spencer reaffirmed that Xbox remains committed to developing new hardware despite expanding its games to competing platforms.
Spencer noted that the most successful games are those that "operate across numerous platforms," and Xbox aims to leverage this trend. "We're building a platform that serves creators seeking to reach audiences on every screen," explained Spencer.
While Xbox will focus on supporting developers who want to distribute games across multiple platforms, Spencer stressed that they're creating technology that both developers and players will favor. "We're developing innovative hardware that people will want to use for gaming—whether handheld, television-based, or even other formats."
Thus, Xbox will not restrict access to its games but rather make them available to broader audiences, all while continuing to develop new consoles and handheld devices.
Xbox Aims to Expand Player Reach Across Multiple Devices
On November 14, 2024, Xbox Senior Marketing Director Craig McNary introduced the company's new branding message: "This is an Xbox." This campaign centers on extending Xbox's presence to new devices.
"'This Is an Xbox' encourages people to engage with Xbox across various devices and screens," McNary explained. "It demonstrates how Xbox has evolved into a platform spanning multiple devices, presented through bold, iconic visuals with a playful tone. The campaign launches today through multiple channels."
The announcement creatively featured various objects—including a remote control, laptop, cat carrier, and lunch box—humorously labeling what qualifies as Xbox. Beyond the amusing comparisons, the core message remains clear: numerous devices now connect to Xbox or Microsoft services in different ways. To bring this vision to life, Xbox has collaborated with Samsung, Crocs™, Porsche, and other brands to "help realize the campaign through surprising and engaging methods."
Xbox is charting a different course from its competitors. Rather than maintaining exclusive game titles, the company openly welcomes porting its games to rival consoles, making them accessible to all players.
