Halo Coming to PlayStation 5 in 2026: What Microsoft's Move Means for Nintendo Switch 2

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the gaming industry, Microsoft officially announced that the Halo series will debut on PlayStation 5 in 2026.

This groundbreaking development marks the first time the acclaimed first-person shooter franchise, developed by Xbox Game Studios, will appear on Sony's flagship console.

The release will feature an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the original Master Chief campaign, promising a significant technological leap for one of gaming’s most iconic series. Originally launched in 2001, Halo quickly became synonymous with the Xbox brand, driving sales and establishing a loyal player base.

The series has consistently broken sales records, with over 81 million copies sold worldwide as of 2021, and remains a cornerstone of Microsoft’s game development strategy.

While rumors about Halo’s potential arrival on other platforms have circulated for years, this official announcement solidifies Microsoft's commitment to expanding the reach of its top franchises beyond its own hardware ecosystem. In the wake of this announcement, enthusiasm has swelled not only among PlayStation users but also within Nintendo’s community.

Online, numerous Nintendo fans are now voicing hopes that Halo could eventually arrive on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s upcoming next-generation hardware.

As the hybrid system continues to generate anticipation with its rumored enhanced capabilities, the prospect of one of gaming’s most storied shooters making its way to a Nintendo platform has never seemed more plausible. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has addressed the company’s ambitions for broader platform support, reaffirming the collaborative relationships that Microsoft maintains with companies such as Sony Interactive Entertainment and Nintendo.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Spencer emphasized Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to make its games more accessible: “We are focused on reducing barriers to entry through initiatives like Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Game Pass.

That said, if players want to enjoy our games on PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2, we are eager to support those experiences on those platforms.

We have received strong collaboration from both Sony Interactive Entertainment and Nintendo.” This strategy is not new for Microsoft.

In 2023, the company signed a landmark agreement to bring the Call of Duty franchise back to Nintendo devices, and more recently, Xbox titles such as Grounded and Pentiment have arrived on the Nintendo Switch.

These actions, combined with public statements from Microsoft executives, signal a clear intent to reach players wherever they choose to play. As the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to build momentum—with dev kits reportedly in the hands of more studios—Microsoft’s readiness to support the platform could lead to further announcements concerning major Xbox franchises becoming available on Nintendo hardware.

For now, the gaming community will be closely watching how the next stages of Microsoft's cross-platform initiative unfold.

With Halo’s arrival on PlayStation 5 already confirmed for 2026, attention now turns to whether Nintendo fans will soon get their own opportunity to experience the legendary saga.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Unreal Engine 5 Unreal Engine Switch 2 PlayStation 5 Microsoft Switch Halo Unreal Xbox Phil Spencer Famitsu Sony Interactive Entertainment Game Pass Call of Duty Grounded Pentiment