Activision and Nintendo have confirmed an open beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch, running from 28 August to 1 September 2026.
The publisher also announced pre-orders for the game will begin on 26 August 2026.
Officials stated that purchasing the game is not required to participate in the beta; players will only need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a Nintendo Account to join.
Platform availability and beta access
The companies clarified that Beta Early Access is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Notably, Switch 2 will not be included in the beta program.
Specific session times and fuller beta details will be published by Activision and Nintendo ahead of the beta window.
Release timing and platform commitment
Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch day-and-date on Nintendo platforms alongside other consoles on 23 October 2026.
The appearance of Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo hardware follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a subsequent 10-year commitment from Microsoft to bring Call of Duty titles to Nintendo platforms.
What we know so far
- Open beta window: 28 August–1 September 2026
- Pre-orders start: 26 August 2026
- Required for Switch beta participation: Nintendo Switch Online subscription and Nintendo Account (no pre-order necessary)
- Beta Early Access platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Beta exclusion: Switch 2
- Full game release date: 23 October 2026
Developer and hardware context
Activision remains the lead publisher for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Nintendo's hybrid hardware line has continued to evolve since the launch of its latest console in 2025, and this Modern Warfare installment marks a high-profile return of the franchise to a Nintendo platform in recent years as part of Microsoft's platform agreement.
Next steps and official updates
Activision and Nintendo will provide detailed beta schedules and further information on participation and content prior to 28 August.
Readers should watch official Nintendo channels, the Nintendo eShop notices, and Activision communications for the finalized session times and release-day storefront details.
The publisher also announced pre-orders for the game will begin on 26 August 2026.
Officials stated that purchasing the game is not required to participate in the beta; players will only need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a Nintendo Account to join.
Platform availability and beta access
The companies clarified that Beta Early Access is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Notably, Switch 2 will not be included in the beta program.
Specific session times and fuller beta details will be published by Activision and Nintendo ahead of the beta window.
Release timing and platform commitment
Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch day-and-date on Nintendo platforms alongside other consoles on 23 October 2026.
The appearance of Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo hardware follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a subsequent 10-year commitment from Microsoft to bring Call of Duty titles to Nintendo platforms.
What we know so far
- Open beta window: 28 August–1 September 2026
- Pre-orders start: 26 August 2026
- Required for Switch beta participation: Nintendo Switch Online subscription and Nintendo Account (no pre-order necessary)
- Beta Early Access platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Beta exclusion: Switch 2
- Full game release date: 23 October 2026
Developer and hardware context
Activision remains the lead publisher for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Nintendo's hybrid hardware line has continued to evolve since the launch of its latest console in 2025, and this Modern Warfare installment marks a high-profile return of the franchise to a Nintendo platform in recent years as part of Microsoft's platform agreement.
Next steps and official updates
Activision and Nintendo will provide detailed beta schedules and further information on participation and content prior to 28 August.
Readers should watch official Nintendo channels, the Nintendo eShop notices, and Activision communications for the finalized session times and release-day storefront details.
