Xbox Reaffirms Commitment to Nintendo Switch 2: Phil Spencer Praises Nintendo's Influence and Innovation

Xbox has once again underlined its commitment to supporting Nintendo, as the Nintendo Switch 2 nears its highly anticipated release.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently addressed Microsoft’s ongoing partnership with Nintendo in interviews with Gamertag Radio and Variety, emphasizing both companies’ shared values within the gaming industry and the significance of continued collaboration for the upcoming hardware generation. Microsoft’s history with Nintendo Switch began in earnest in January 2019, when Xbox titles such as Cuphead and Ori and the Blind Forest made their way onto the hybrid platform.

Since then, the partnership has grown, offering Nintendo Switch users access to select Xbox and third-party titles, expanding the reach and impact of both brands.

As the Nintendo Switch shattered sales milestones—surpassing 139 million units sold worldwide as of April 2024—industry eyes have turned to the next iteration, tentatively referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2. Asked about his outlook for the new console, Phil Spencer conveyed his unwavering enthusiasm both for Nintendo and for deepening the collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo.

"We’re eager to extend our support to Nintendo Switch 2 with the games we have," Spencer said, reiterating Microsoft’s ongoing strategy of platform inclusivity.

He added that the current Nintendo Switch was a tremendous success and expressed confidence that its successor would follow a similar trajectory.

In his recent exchange with Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, Spencer congratulated the company on their achievements and particularly appreciated some of the anticipated hardware improvements.

He emphasized, "Nintendo’s ongoing innovation and the influence they have in the gaming industry are truly commendable.

Whenever Nintendo takes a step forward, it’s worth applauding." Spencer also highlighted the importance of Xbox’s expanding reach, noting, "Supporting Switch 2 enables us to connect with new audiences, especially players who may not be on PC or Xbox.

It’s a unique method for us to grow the community around our franchises." Spencer’s remarks underline not only admiration for Nintendo’s enduring creative vision but also the business rationale behind expanding Xbox game availability.

"We want to make sure we’re investing in our games and continuing to support the Nintendo audience.

Working with Nintendo helps us reach players everywhere—an important part of our future," he told Variety. While no specific titles have been officially confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, the commitment from both sides is clear.

Historically, major releases like Minecraft and Ori have performed well on Switch, and speculation around titles such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator underscores the potential breadth of Xbox support for the new platform. As the industry awaits further official details from a future Nintendo Direct or company announcements, Phil Spencer’s statements reinforce the growing collaboration between Microsoft and Nintendo.

With the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, this partnership is poised to deliver new experiences and communities for players on both sides of the gaming spectrum.

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