Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed strong support for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in 2025. Dive deeper to explore the exciting prospects of the collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo.
Xbox CEO Pledges His Support For Switch 2
Xbox Will Continue Porting Games to Nintendo Switch 2
During an insightful interview with Gamertag Radio on January 25, 2025, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced his commitment to supporting the Nintendo Switch 2 by planning to port several Xbox titles to this new platform. Spencer's anticipation of Nintendo's success with their upcoming hybrid console prompted him to pledge Xbox games to Switch 2 even before its official release.
In the interview, Spencer shared that he has been in communication with Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa. "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 remarked, showcasing his enthusiasm for the new console.
"Nintendo's innovation and their significance in the gaming industry are commendable. I always applaud their strategic moves. They've released a teaser video, and while more details will unfold over time, I'm eager to support them with our games. Nintendo is a vital part of the gaming ecosystem," Spencer added.
While specific titles were not disclosed in the interview, Microsoft's existing 10-year deal with Nintendo, announced on February 25, 2023, ensures that games like "Call of Duty" will be available to Nintendo players on the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity, as stated by Microsoft president Brad Smith.
Currently, Xbox is expanding its reach by porting games such as "Grounded" and "Pentiment" to competing platforms like the Switch and PlayStation. With the enhanced capabilities of the Switch 2, more Xbox games are expected to find their way to Nintendo's new hybrid console.
Xbox is Working on a New Platform
In the same interview, Spencer emphasized Xbox's ongoing efforts to develop new hardware, even as they expand to rival platforms.
Spencer believes that the most successful games are those that can run on various platforms. "I want to build a platform that supports creators who aim to reach players on every possible screen," he explained.
While Xbox aims to cater to game creators interested in multi-platform development, Spencer stressed their commitment to creating innovative hardware that appeals to both developers and gamers. "Let’s go build innovative hardware that people want to use to play, whether that’s in their hands, on the television, or even other places," he stated.
This approach signifies that Xbox will not restrict its games to exclusive platforms but will instead enhance accessibility for a broader audience, all while continuing to develop 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," reflecting the company's ambition to extend its presence across a variety of devices.
"'This Is an Xbox' invites people to experience Xbox gaming on multiple devices and screens," McNary explained. This campaign highlights the evolution of Xbox as a versatile platform, characterized by bold, iconic, and engaging visuals, and a playful tone. The campaign, which began on the announcement date, is designed to engage audiences in diverse and entertaining ways.
The campaign creatively juxtaposed various items such as a remote control, laptop, cat box, and bento box, humorously labeling them as what Xbox is or isn't. Despite the light-hearted approach, the underlying message is clear: Xbox aims to connect with players across numerous devices. To amplify this message, Xbox has partnered with brands like Samsung, Crocs™, and Porsche to bring the campaign to life in unexpected and entertaining ways.Xbox's strategy stands in stark contrast to that of its competitors, who often focus on exclusivity. Instead, Xbox is committed to making its games accessible on rival consoles, ensuring that more players can enjoy their titles.
