Xbox Games Are Coming to Switch 2, and That’s Wild!
January 31, 2025Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has all but confirmed that Xbox games are coming to Switch 2, meaning Nintendo fans could soon be blasting aliens in Halo or taking off in Microsoft Flight Simulator—on the go. This news is a big deal, and not just for Switch players. It could shake up how we think about console exclusivity, turning Nintendo’s next-gen handheld hybrid into a mini Xbox (sort of).
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New Power Duo?
Phil Spencer spilled the beans on Gamertag Radio, saying he’s “really looking forward to supporting” Nintendo with Xbox games. Now, he didn’t outright drop a list of confirmed titles, but when Xbox’s big boss starts dropping hints, you know something’s up.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has shared the love with Nintendo. We’ve already seen games like Minecraft, Pentiment, Grounded, and the Ori series hit the Switch. But with Switch 2 packing more power, Xbox games that were previously too big, too heavy, or too ambitious for Nintendo’s handheld suddenly have a chance to shine.
So, what could this mean for the future of gaming? Imagine a world where Nintendo consoles double as portable Xbox machines—that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds!
What Xbox Games Could Land on Switch 2?
If rumours hold true, here are some of the biggest Xbox franchises that might land on Switch 2:
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Master Chief on a Nintendo console? That’s something Smash Bros. fans have been joking about for years. But Halo: The Master Chief Collection is one of the strongest candidates for Switch 2. It’s been ported to PC, scaled for cloud gaming, and could easily be optimized for Nintendo’s new hardware.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
With Switch 2’s rumoured upgraded CPU and GPU, we might actually see Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 take off on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Imagine piloting a plane from Tokyo to New York while lying in bed. Now that’s first-class gaming.
Call of Duty (Modern Warfare & Beyond)
Microsoft has already confirmed that Call of Duty will be coming to Nintendo platforms as part of its Activision Blizzard acquisition deal. It’s not a stretch to think that Modern Warfare and Warzone will drop on Switch 2, making Nintendo’s console even more of a shooter paradise.
Diablo & Other Blizzard Games
Diablo 3 already exists on the current Switch, so Diablo 4 or future Blizzard games could be a natural fit for Switch 2. Let’s not forget Overwatch 2, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, and other Activision Blizzard titles—these games could easily get second lives on Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.
Game Pass? Maybe One Day…
Phil Spencer has been very open about wanting Game Pass on every platform—including Nintendo and PlayStation. While we’re not there yet, Xbox putting more games on Switch could be a stepping stone to something bigger.
Why Would Xbox Share Its Games?
Xbox giving away exclusives sounds crazy, right? Well, not really. Here’s why:
More Players, More Money
Instead of limiting sales to just Xbox and PC, Microsoft can cash in on Nintendo’s massive audience—especially in Japan, where Xbox struggles but Nintendo dominates.
Game Pass Expansion Plans
Microsoft wants Game Pass to be everywhere. By getting its games on Switch, it trains players to expect Xbox games outside of Xbox consoles. It’s all about long-term strategy.
Nintendo Isn’t a Direct Competitor
Unlike PlayStation, Nintendo plays in its own league. Switch 2 is a hybrid console that doesn’t directly compete with Xbox’s high-end powerhouses. Sharing games with Nintendo doesn’t really hurt Microsoft—it just gives its games more life.
Could Switch 2 Become a Mini Xbox?
It’s fun to imagine, but Switch 2 won’t replace your Xbox anytime soon. Unlike Steam Deck or ROG Ally, Nintendo isn’t in the business of supporting Game Pass streaming (at least, not yet).
That said, Switch 2 could become the ultimate second console—a place where Xbox players can enjoy their favourite games on the go. Whether it’s Master Chief, Call of Duty, or Diablo, the lines between Xbox and Nintendo are blurring more than ever.
Now the real question is: when do we get a Mario-Kart-themed Warthog in Halo?