The partnership between Nintendo and Xbox is set to continue with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's head of gaming, has expressed strong support for the Switch platform, emphasizing its importance in reaching players who are not typically part of the Xbox or PC gaming communities.
In a recent interview with Variety, Spencer discussed the future of Xbox's involvement with the Nintendo Switch 2. He highlighted the successful collaboration on the original Switch and expressed enthusiasm for extending that relationship to the new console. "Nintendo has been a great partner. We think it is a unique way for us to reach players who aren’t PC players, who aren’t players on Xbox," Spencer stated. He emphasized the importance of growing Xbox's community and investing in their franchises across different platforms.
Spencer's admiration for Nintendo's role in the gaming industry was clear as he reiterated his commitment to supporting Nintendo. "I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them," he said, adding that receiving support from Nintendo for Xbox franchises is crucial for their future.
Previously, Spencer has praised Nintendo's innovation, particularly around the time of the Switch 2's initial teaser. He confirmed Xbox's strategy to expand the availability of their games across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Steam, and Nintendo consoles.
When asked if the Switch 2's reveal prompted any urgency to announce Xbox's next console plans, Spencer remained focused on Xbox's current strategy. "No. I think all of us in this industry should focus on our communities and the player base that we’re building," he explained. He expressed inspiration from other creators and platform holders but maintained confidence in Xbox's existing plans.
Xbox's commitment to making their games available on as many platforms as possible, including cloud, PC, and consoles, remains strong. Titles like Pentiment and Obsidian's Grounded have already been released on Nintendo platforms, and it will be intriguing to see what Xbox brings to the Switch 2 upon its official launch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to debut on June 5, 2025. While pre-orders have not yet started, interested gamers can stay updated through the Switch 2 pre-order hub page.
