Soapbox: I Hope Xbox Properly Supports Switch 2 When It Launches In 2025

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.