Microsoft Commits to 10-Year Call of Duty Release on Nintendo Platforms Amid Activision Merger Scrutiny

As the gaming industry closely monitors the high-profile Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger, an unexpected development has emerged involving Nintendo’s much-loved hardware and one of the world’s largest game franchises.

Microsoft CEO of Gaming, Phil Spencer, officially announced a ten-year agreement to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms—a move aimed at expanding the franchise’s reach beyond the traditional PlayStation and Xbox console rivalry. The landmark announcement, shared via Spencer’s social media channels on December 7, 2022, confirmed, "Microsoft has secured a 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo following the merger with Activision Blizzard King." Spencer further emphasized the company’s dedication to making popular games “accessible to more players, wherever they choose to play.” This pledge comes as global regulatory bodies intensify their review of Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, one of the gaming industry’s biggest deals in recent years.

Sony, Microsoft’s chief console competitor, has voiced concerns that the merger would reduce the availability of key franchises—namely Call of Duty—on non-Microsoft platforms like PlayStation.

In response, Microsoft’s move to anchor Call of Duty support on Nintendo hardware for at least a decade underscores its intent to assure regulators and industry partners alike of its commitment to platform inclusivity. Historically, Call of Duty has had a varied relationship with Nintendo hardware.

Early series titles received ports for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, allowing fans to experience the blockbuster shooter franchise with unique motion control and dual-screen gameplay.

While several entries made their way to Nintendo systems during the Wii and Wii U era, the franchise’s presence on Nintendo platforms diminished over the years, with recent mainline releases absent from the Nintendo Switch and its eShop.

Microsoft’s new agreement signals a renewed partnership and could pave the way for Call of Duty’s return to Nintendo consoles, current or future. Regulatory authorities evaluating the merger have scrutinized potential impacts on competition and consumer choice.

Microsoft’s explicit, decade-long Call of Duty commitment is viewed as an effort to provide assurances that Activision Blizzard King titles will not become exclusive to Xbox consoles and Microsoft’s PC storefronts.

Whether or not the arrangement will result in simultaneous releases or feature parity with other platforms remains to be determined, but the move reinforces Microsoft’s push for a more platform-agnostic gaming ecosystem. Although uncertainty lingers for PlayStation users regarding future access to Call of Duty, Nintendo fans can look forward to a new era of third-party support.

As the merger review approaches its conclusion, the industry awaits further details on what this partnership will mean for the next generation of Nintendo hardware and the enduring appeal of one of gaming’s most successful shooter franchises.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Activision Microsoft Switch Blizzard Activision Blizzard Call of Duty King Activision Blizzard King Phil Spencer PlayStation