
A lot has been said, discussed and debated about Microsoft deciding to make Xbox games available on rival platforms, and much of that chatter has been pretty negative so far. Sony's PS5 has been the big focus point for discussion, especially because it's confirmed to be getting some huge Xbox games like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. However, with Nintendo Switch 2 now announced, I think the whole 'multiplatform' chat can become a bit more positive for Xbox fans in the near future.
The big reason I think (and hope) this could happen is because Nintendo's Switch platform just offers a much different experience to what our Xbox and PlayStation consoles provide. You get a hybrid console with a unique first-party lineup and a big focus on portability - but you also get a dedicated hardware platform that receives proper console ports. We know PC handheld devices are starting to provide a decent on-the-go Xbox experience, but there's still something to be said for Switch 2 and the more locked-down hardware and software approach that it'll provide.
If the makers of Mario can cram enough power into their new system, it could serve as a great opportunity for Microsoft to bring a truly different Xbox experience to gamers, especially those on the move. As a big Call of Duty fan I make no apologies in wanting a feature-complete version of Black Ops 6 on Switch 2 - why not, it's already on PS5 anyway! At least with a hybrid console I can take COD on the go and suffer no compromises along the way - compromises that are still unfortunately a part of the handheld PC experience when playing cutting-edge titles.
That goes for other games as well, of course. I've already mentioned two big Bethesda titles here that are confirmed for PS5 - they could easily move over to Switch 2 as well, power permitting. That's not to mention the myriad of reports and rumours we're seeing about Xbox considering multiplatform ports of older games, such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Those final two are by no means confirmed for other consoles, but potential Switch 2 versions could be a great way to experience some of Xbox's most iconic series' on the go.
When Microsoft first unveiled its 'This is an Xbox' ad campaign, I was skeptical about the team's new approach, no doubt about it. And, to be honest I still am - I think most Xbox fans are still clawing away at some semblance of normality about their preferred gaming platform. But, if Microsoft is going to go all-out with this approach and is treating lots of devices as a potential 'Xbox', I want that to include as many traditional console platforms as possible. At the end of the day, I still love playing video games on native hardware, so a finely-tuned portable gaming option is always going to be of interest to me.
Another interesting wrinkle to all of this is Microsoft's own portable device - something that boss Phil Spencer has confirmed to be in the works over at Xbox. The thing is, none of us are entirely sure what shape that system will take. Lots of discussion at Pure Xbox HQ today has theorised whether this system will even be a traditional 'console' or not, with the general consensus being that a PC-like device is more likely. We can only wait and see what actually happens here, but I'm not entirely confident that Microsoft will be making its own Switch 2-like console - my money is on something closer to an ASUS ROG Ally.
And, well, if Nintendo is putting in the hard yards to design and create a dedicated hybrid console that's powerful enough to run Xbox's biggest games, I say heck yeah - let's see those games on the system. Clearly, Microsoft sees a future that breaks down barriers and brings Xbox games to more devices, and as a bit of a console purist, I'd like to see as many non-cloud options as possible in this shiny new future Microsoft is envisaging. PS5 ports are one thing, but that system still provides a similar experience to Xbox Series X|S. Switch 2, though? That'll enable me to continue my COD addiction wherever I go. God help me.
Who else wants to see Xbox bring its games to Switch 2? Talk to us about your handheld gaming wishes in the comments down below.
Comments 62
Of course Xbox is going to be supporting its newest console. After all Xbox would rather support everything but their own native console.
I’d love to see more collaborations between these big companies.
Fully supporting switch 2 will destroy any chance they have of getting a decent install base on any handheld platform they were planning imo.
I'd love to see Xbox go all out to support Switch 2 and hope that there will be more crossovers and collaboration between the two companies. Banjo in Mario Kart. Master Chief in the next Smash Bros. Maybe even some cross play with some of the older Rare titles or a remake of Diddy Kong Racing on both systems.
Supporting switch 2 is pretty much nailed on for some games, but it's how they get such massive games to fit on the switch 2 storage or cart options that I'd find hard to believe (especially for something as big as BO6).
Never know though, Nintendo may have some clever tech up their sleeves that compresses everything 🙏
@Titntin nah they dont need any 3rd parties to destroy any chance they have of getting a market foothold!
But seriously its great for them to have a platform to support and get a decent working relationship(and me as I will buy one day one!). But I think at the moment whichever of the 2 "main" consoles gets a standalone handheld with a proper console UI will do really well. The Steam Deck is great, but still too much of a PC for mass market imo, the offerings from ROG and the like will always be niche with Windows.
@Coletrain COD proper will be a struggle without some sort of compression or the cloud as its an always online game, but you could see Warzone being included.
@Titntin Possibly. But I suspect the Xbox handheld will be significantly more cutting edge than Nintendo's "yesterdays hardware repurposed for tomorrow" approach.
I mean, I never dreamed I'd see the day when Halo was playable on a Nintendo console, but if the rumors pan out then this could really be happening. A truly wild time to be a gamer who grew up with staunch console exclusivity through the 00's and 2010's.
I have no issue with Microsoft continuing to release their games on other platforms - even if a few IP's (like Minecraft, Call of Duty and Doom for example) have NO exclusivity - timed or otherwise. We on 'Xbox' have the option to try or play the entire game without having to spend any 'extra' money if subscribed to Game Pass.
Whilst I know there is a cost to Subscribe, that is quite different to having to find £70 to play 'day 1'. I do find it funny that when 3rd Party comes to Game Pass (like Plague Tale or Back4Blood), its considered 'free' on Game Pass/Xbox whilst Playstation gamers have to pay but when it comes to first party, they are not 'free' because Game Pass costs and no reason to 'buy' an Xbox for because they'll come to 'Playstation' at some point forgetting that by the time it releases on PS5, its been 'exclusive' for quite a while and could even be on sale on Xbox but 'new' release and £70 on PS.
As for 'handhelds', I don't really know enough about the Switch 2 and its specs. I don't know that I'd rather buy a Switch 2 for example or a Surface Pro/RoG Ally 2 PC handheld with maybe some MS Windows 'update' that gives a more 'optimised' Console style User Interface. I think that a Handheld PC would still have the Advantage in Specs, in Game Library and of course work better with my Game Pass Subscription and existing 'Xbox' Library. I can't imagine Nintendo letting me play CoD, Doom or Indiana Jones for 'free' because I bought those games on Xbox/Windows and/or have Game Pass - but I could on a Handheld PC. I couldn't start playing Indiana on my Xbox and then carry on playing from my last checkpoint on Switch, but I could with a Handheld PC.
What it means is that 'Gamers' have the choice of where they want to play and/or become fans of an Xbox owned IP. They can have 25m in their Console but have billions in their IP's, using their Software and using their Servers, making MONEY for their 'Gaming' division and investing that money earned from 'other' platforms into their own...
I initially liked the switch but it quickly became clear that the multiplatform games were much worse there and they cost more. It became an exclusives only machine for me. The switch 2 will bridge the gap a little but I still plan to play all multiplat games on Steam (desktop and handheld) or xbox.
My gripes with nintendo aside. I support xbox porting games there.
What some people don't understand is that supporting the Switch 2 doesn't mean sending all exclusive games to the Switch 2! There are several historically multiplatform games that are not available on Switch, and this is an opportunity to do so with this more powerful version. At the same time, Xbox has committed to bringing Black Ops 6, for example, to Switch. It doesn't mean anything else.
Mark my words: while people always discuss PS as a main threat to xbox series, actually Switch 2 can fully steal series s audience. They will have nintendo games, multiplat and xbox games.
On top of that portability, local coop with joycons.
Crazy.
And series s is 2/3rd of all series consoles. Not saying people will sell their SS but definitely new players will pick up switch 2 over SS and PS5 over SX.
This is based on switch 2 specs apparently close to series s and having DLSS.
Yeah get that money in for us Xbox gamers!!
@Coletrain BO6 runs on base ps4 and switch is more like ps4 pro/series s. So definitely all mainstream games will be there including cod, prob 30fps tho.
During FTC MS actually promised nintendo support for cod btw
@Coletrain its called cloud. I seen a guy saying Nintendo and Geforce now might do a deal with each other. So i think it’s possible some of the heavy hitters the system can’t run will maybe run on cloud. GeForce now is pretty good already, in another few years it should only continue to get better. Thats just a guess, but for the future i just want to see a new Mario and Mario Kart. 😊
I dont like these half measures by MS. Either keep at least some xbox exclusivity and show proper support so we know as xboxers what we are getting into and have more faith in platform, or go all in to PS/N.
With all my love to series X as a piece of hardware, I still had to buy PS5 (actually got the PRO as well) and definitely getting switch 2.
I think that would be the most popular setup for people who game. Or PC+switch 2.
@HonestHick i literally want MK9, mario odyssey successor and “next gen” patch for TOTK and I am in.
Ok MS has less than a year for some series gen sales until fully sinking.
I am now even concerned if they even sell 40M (how I initially thought) in next 2-3 years until prime xbox.
Who will buy series s after switch 2 releases while it will be almost series s on the go, with all nintendo games, xbox games and docked mode. Like cmon.
And series X is not selling due to PS5 and now PS5 PRO. All the gta 6 hype will be on PS too.
Cloud saves will be necessary for the true Play Anywhere experience. Not supporting cloud saves would be a huge misfire and go completely against Microsoft’s ‘everything is an Xbox now’ mantra. So I want to see cross progression in all future Switch 2 ports.
I'd at least consider double dipping on Halo: MCC for Switch 2, tbh.
I love xbox and the more places i can play xbox games the better.
Are you mad? It is an Xbox. Switch? What’s that?
I hope so too, because it looks like that Switch 2 is much better Xbox than Xbox itself.
@Millionski PS5 + Switch 2 is the best option for me.
I just wish Xbox would properly support Xbox.
Thr exclusivity thing really starting to bother me more and more. Guess had to set in with me longer. It been lot different if Xbox would get some Playstation exclusives in return for letting games like Halo and Gears go over. Where is spider-man? Horizon Dawn?
@AnVold seems like switch 2 will be superior to series s (maybe not as good in horsepower but DLSS should fix it) and i see my PS5 PRO as a main platform going forward. And definitely getting switch 2 early on, maybe even on release.
I own series X that is still good due to GP and exclusives that are still there (avowed for example). But I am convinced xbox console will have less support, less sales and dies out while xbox games will be released everywhere. That means there is not much incentive to own next xbox.
I can live without GP and buy games. We also dont know how GP changes and what would be the pricing.
I really like xbox controllers, Xbox Os and such but its all inferior to actually having more games on a platform. If I to spend 50-70% of my time on PS and switch regardless, then why bother with another plastic box just to have better OS and slightly better conroller? Not even mentioning next xbox will be at least 599.
Also most powerful console apparently will be ps6 as it will release 1-2 years after xbox prime.
@Millionski Very true. Absolutely Switch 2 can steal Series S audience.
Series S customers enjoy having a lesser powered console that can play downgraded versions of games.
@Millionski Switch 2 will probably cost about £399. I struggle to see it being priced significantly lower than that. So Series S at £249 will still hold a hefty price advantage and remain the cheapest way to access the latest games.
This all just feels like the next step towards becoming a full time publisher. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for playing more games on the move, but it hardly gives incentive to buy an xbox going forward if you aren't interested in gamepass. Which, based on reports of stagnating sub numbers, is still a fair whack of people.
One other thing to consider if MS bring halo/cod6 to switch 2 (and any other fps for that matter) is the possible joycon “mouse” control.
That’s not confirmed but if switch 2 supports that control type it could end up being the best place to play any fps.
Lots of “ifs” there though!
@Millionski it's not the power that makes me sceptical, it's the install or cartridge file size. The system will definitely be able to handle PS4 level games, but COD is an absolute monster.
@HonestHick yeah they've tried the cloud stuff before and it was awful. But I guess you wouldn't put it past Nintendo to do a deal with Nvidia for a slice of geforce now to be fair. Good shout.
Them fully supporting the Switch 2 means that their Xbox handheld is dead on arrival 🤨 would people pick a Switch 2 that plays Nintendo & Xbox games or an Xbox handheld that just plays Xbox games?
@Juanalf At that point one of the only distinguishing factors might be Game Pass, which is still unlikely ever to launch on the Switch 2.
That’s just another nail in the coffin for the Xbox console.
I can see Xbox slowly fazing out and becoming third party.
Once most of the games are on switch 2 and ps5 why buy an Xbox will be able to play Xbox and Nintendo or PlayStation exclusives to.
On Xbox it’ll just be Xbox games.
I often wonder when I read articles like this if the staff members writing them ever think if this is the way Xbox are going it’ll be the end of pure Xbox.
@Cakefish based on sales of these consoles unless its something ridiculous like PS5 PRO for 700, people just buy whatever they perceive as better or whatever is more popular. And we dont know yet how good even ps5 pro sells when gta 6 releases.
PS5 outsold series s by being more popular choice. Same will happen with series s and switch 2.
If people have a choice of paying 250 or 400 but for 400 is way cooler newer console that is switch 2, then they willingly spend more money
Its still a cool option for some casual gaming with GP if you snatch a good deal - I agree.
@Ulysses GP is not enough incentive by itself. Moreover, many people simply dont know and never heard of GP. I literally have to explain GP and what it does for my non-gaming friends. But they all know nintendo and ps5 and always say something like “oh i want to play that animal crossing game” or “oh i wish i had ps5 to play spiderman”.
Funnily, no one got excited by an idea to pay for yet another pricy subscription ($23+tax in Canada) and many mentioned they just want to play a x,y, z game.
People dont consume games in a same manner as TV shows.
That tells alot about state of the things.
@Millionski I use my PS5 as a main platform and Switch is my second handheld console.I buy physical games mostly and have never been interested in GP. My first and only Xbox is Xbox 360, and I still like it. But I see clearly that Xbox is slowly dying as a console during 2 console generations. It's the second SEGA.
@Meehanuk_1987 it may be the end of Pure Xbox, but it also may be the beginning of Pure GamePass or Pure PC.
Microsoft should especially support us Xbox owners. It's pathetic what this corporation is doing to its customers and fans of the brand 🤮
If the switch 2 is successful and gets a reasonable market share they will enviable be supported.
@Weebleman and people miss the point that game days in 2 years wont be the same. at lease another price hike and cut all the conversions from game pass core.
@AnVold PC + switch2 is the best combo and for those who dont like pc it will be PS+switch2
@Coletrain most likely switch 2 will support new cartrige format or smth that can have more space. Just speculating though.
Certain % of games will be only digital and its already like that with switch 1. Pretty sure all MS games including COD. They dont care about physical at all.
@themightyant I'm sure your correct. But for a portable, 1080p with dlss type upscaling is all anyone needs. I suspect the Xbox hardware won't be magnitudes better either, the limitations here are imposed by the battery power available rather than aspiration. Unless Microsoft have a new battery technology to support the power requirements of a significant compute uplift, it's unlikely that many punters would notice much difference.
If it came down to software availability, and all Microsoft's best titles were releasing for switch 2 anyway, it would be hard to see many people choosing the Microsoft machine over the Switch 2.
Or am I missing something, some unique USP that Microsoft could bring that would radically change the equation?
The more choice the better as far as I'm concerned, but I'm still left guessing as to MS strategy.....it will be interesting when we hear more.
Xbox barely supports Xbox lol
@Titntin I’m not sure I am correct. lol. As ever you make some great points.
But I was thinking that switch 2’s SoC is rumoured to be on a 8 nanometer process according to Digital Foundry, though that’s not confirmed. There’s quite a lot of efficiency that can be gained with a newer process, both in CPU power and battery life. Additionally Xbox usually pushes the envelope with tech, whereas Nintendo doesn’t. If Xbox is a year or two later it could be a reasonable jump.
@Meehanuk_1987 came to say the same thing - feels like they might be writing themselves out of a job. 😕
Shouldn't they support their platform first?
@themightyant @titntin precisely that, you'd expect the Xbox portable to have, say, the power of the z1 extreme chip but the ability to run at lower wattage. Which would make sense as to why they're not ready to go for a few years
I like my Xbox and I may get the switch 2 I mean with south by midnight, avowed Indiana jones stalker 2 I don’t know why folks are saying there no Xbox support. I get not knowing the future of xbox and the point of buying a console if you can play them on competition but man it’s not all that bad.
If they put Xbox games on Switch 2, why would anyone buy Microsoft's alleged handheld? You could get Switch and Xbox exclusives on the Switch 2, or just get Xbox stuff on their handheld....
@Millionski yeah those will be great games. I think we might get a few upgrades to older games that struggled. It would be nice. I want the Zelda wind waker HD game to come to it. I loved that game and only beat it once.
Switch 2 can serve as a serious revenue boost for MS with some solid ports without trying to fit COD proper on Switch. Few years time, goal should be an MS handheld that rivals, beats Steam Deck, etc in power and extras
Welp, Microsoft jeopardized any chance at people buying an Xbox console in the future, especially an Xbox handheld. At that point why get an Xbox when people can just get a Switch 2 and either a PS5, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or a traditional gaming PC.
Once they bring Game Pass over to other devices like Switch 2, that’s the end.
Had fun with my Switch, and will get a Switch 2 once there is a 3D Mario on there, but pointless for anything other than Indies and Nintendo games, as it is so underpowered. Fingers crossed they do something to make Switch games (especially BOTW) run better, but no chance you won't have to pay, this being Nintendo.
PS5 and XSX for everything else!
I'd like to see cloud gaming on Switch 2 so you can play your Xbox games on the go. It'll be more than powerful enough.
Since Xbox doesn't make exclusive games anymore they should/better/forced do so by Microsoft to make some profits. Xbox hardware isn't, and GamePass is slowly sliding away from them.
@TheGameThrifter this is where I'm at also. Sure they still can make a handheld but why would/should they unless they are just "doing anything and everything" for profits?
I'd bet the R&D for a handheld is still quite costly though.
Microsoft can make serious money there. They have big fan base over with many ninty fans.
Games like killer instinct, banjo, conquer, perfect dark will sell like hot cakes.
They can easily re- release the previous killer instinct (decent price) and will sell like crazy on release.
Also call of duty, iam curious how that will be on the device.
So yeah MS will make gold on it.
I've grown to be OK with all this. Microsoft has made it clear they care about selling games and don't care what platform you buy them on. Yeah it sucks for those who really enjoy the Xbox console, but in the long run will allow gamers to play more games without needing as much hardware. Plus Game Pass will continue to mature and provide a genuinely console-less proposition for people.
But that being said, they'll still need the cloud infrastructure to support GP so they're incentivized to put R&D into continued console development for the near future because they need that hardware to run GP servers too. In the longer term they could easily drop the living room form factor/cost point and be able to provide better hardware on the cloud than consoles could provide (at the expected price point). Very much like NVIDIA.
I think they have a game, set, match thing going on. They've already won from their perspective and the rest of us are just really realizing what game they were even playing in the first place.
@Secryt I originally have been wanting an Xbox for years but my parents kept saying no. If this is true where Xbox is sending more games off to other platforms like Nintendo or PlayStation, it makes me question if I even want to get an Xbox anymore, especially an Xbox handheld.
NO Nintendo/Playstation Console is a 'threat' to Xbox - Microsoft aren't 'building' their Games for these Platforms first and foremost, they are being Made for Game Pass and the Xbox Ecosystem and being 'ported' to those platforms to extract 'money' from those who choose to access Xbox games on another platform.
Yeah you might get some games 'Day 1' like CoD or Doom or Minecraft, but you'll have to 'pay' the Price upfront before you know if it's good or not. Most other games, if they ever come to 'other' platforms though are or will have been 'exclusive' for some time. Xbox 'Console' owners will have had the opportunity to play those month's, if not years earlier, played, finished with and moved on from it. It's no longer 'selling' Consoles or Game Pass Subscriptions so why not 'sell' elsewhere to extract as much revenue from 'their' IP's - It's money coming 'in' to Xbox and being 'reinvested' into Xbox which is the entire Microsoft Gaming Brand/ecosystem - its not 'just' the Console!! They don't 'need' to be the biggest selling Console platform as their playerbase, their revenue stream etc is NOT solely reliant on their Console sales - unlike both Nintendo and Sony - hence Sony is also releasing games on PC to extract 'extra' income from outside their own ecosystem!! Why Consoles also ONLY have 1 Digital Store - their 'own'!!
Developers love Nintendo platforms because they're easy to develop for, cost less to develop for and the hardware innards are typically older so everyone is more comfortable using it. The fan base are not begging for graphics and don't care about them if the game plays nice and it looks beautiful. COD was on the Nintendo DS and so many other ports of games, I hope they release more on Switch 2
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