Microsoft Commits to 10-Year Call of Duty Partnership on Nintendo Platforms Post-Activision Blizzard Merger

Microsoft’s landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard King has sent ripples across the video game industry, with particular interest focused on the future of key franchises like Call of Duty on non-Microsoft platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

Fans and analysts have raised questions regarding the long-term availability of Activision Blizzard titles outside the Xbox ecosystem, as concerns grew about platform exclusivity and the accessibility of major IPs for broader audiences worldwide. Addressing these concerns, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, issued a public statement confirming Microsoft’s intent regarding the Call of Duty franchise on Nintendo hardware.

In a social media update on December 7, 2022, Spencer announced that Microsoft had reached a binding agreement to ensure Call of Duty titles would be available on Nintendo platforms for the next ten years following the completion of its merger with Activision Blizzard King.

This agreement marks a significant pledge from Microsoft, guaranteeing Nintendo Switch players—and future Nintendo hardware—continued access to one of the industry’s best-selling shooter series. "We have made a ten-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms once the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King merger is finalized," Spencer stated, paraphrased from his official communications.

He further affirmed Microsoft’s dedication to providing the same content to Nintendo fans without delays or file size differences, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms. In the same series of statements, Spencer reaffirmed that Call of Duty would also remain available on Steam, distributed simultaneously with the Xbox launch, maintaining access for the vast PC gaming audience on Valve’s digital storefront.

This announcement came after ongoing debates among the gaming public and industry insiders, who questioned whether Microsoft would adopt an exclusivity-driven approach following the high-profile acquisition. The Call of Duty franchise is one of the world’s largest entertainment properties, with annual releases that consistently top global sales charts.

Its availability on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch not only broadens its audience but also underscores Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s commitment to multiplatform accessibility.

The move aligns with Nintendo’s strategy of expanding third-party offerings on the Switch and future devices—a crucial consideration as players demand more cross-platform experiences. While the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King remains subject to regulatory approval, this ten-year commitment provides significant clarity for Nintendo fans and the broader gaming industry.

As the landscape of video game publishing continues to evolve, such agreements play a pivotal role in shaping access and competition across major gaming platforms. For now, Call of Duty’s future on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo’s forthcoming hardware appears secure, with Microsoft openly committed to supporting longtime and new fans alike.

Nintendo Activision Microsoft Switch Blizzard Activision Blizzard Call of Duty King Nintendo Switch Phil Spencer Steam Activision Blizzard King Valve Software