Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Reflects on Nintendo Switch Launch Decision, Shows Openness to Call of Duty on Future Platforms

Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick recently acknowledged a significant misstep regarding the Nintendo Switch, reflecting on the company’s initial decision to overlook the platform at launch.

As one of the most successful hybrid consoles in gaming history, the Nintendo Switch has surpassed 125 million units sold worldwide since its release in March 2017, dramatically outpacing its predecessor, the Wii U, which struggled both commercially and critically during its lifecycle.

Nintendo’s innovation in hardware with the Switch revitalized its presence in the market, attracting both new players and longtime fans. In an address to industry observers, Kotick candidly revealed, in summary, that he did not believe the Nintendo Switch would be a commercial success after reviewing early prototypes.

He stated, "Choosing not to invest more heavily in the platform was the wrong move," underscoring the magnitude of his miscalculation.

Kotick went on to explain that, given the Wii U’s poor performance despite strong first-party releases, he underestimated Nintendo’s ability to rebound with the Switch. The lack of a Call of Duty release on Nintendo Switch became notable as the platform’s audience grew and as third-party developers increasingly supported Nintendo's eShop with blockbuster titles.

Reflecting on this, Kotick expressed openness to bringing Activision's flagship franchise, Call of Duty, to future Nintendo platforms.

He indicated that Activision-Blizzard is willing to consider such releases if the commercial conditions are favorable.

Moreover, Kotick confirmed that the company is open to expanding its presence in cloud gaming and subscription services, provided that business agreements align with Activision's standards. "Our approach moving forward is to evaluate every new Nintendo platform with fresh eyes and strong consideration," Kotick summarized in his recent statements.

This shift in strategy signals a significant change for Activision-Blizzard, which has historically focused its AAA franchises on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. The Nintendo Switch’s runaway success not only reshaped the platform holder’s fortunes but also serves as a case study for publishers assessing the value of embracing emerging hardware early.

As the gaming industry awaits announcements about Nintendo’s future consoles—often unveiled during high-profile events like Nintendo Direct—there is growing anticipation about which franchises will launch alongside or soon after. While specific titles and dates remain under wraps, Kotick’s remarks spotlight a more collaborative future between Activision-Blizzard and Nintendo.

For Switch players and fans of the Call of Duty series, such developments could indicate a broader portfolio of blockbuster titles reaching Nintendo eShop and expanding access through innovative distribution methods like the cloud. With record-setting Switch sales, Nintendo has once again proven its capacity for market disruption, and industry leaders like Bobby Kotick are taking note—bringing the door wide open for new partnerships and exclusive experiences on Nintendo hardware.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Activision Switch Bobby Kotick Blizzard Nintendo hardware Call of Duty Activision-Blizzard Wii U