Activision, Nintendo Partner to Bring Call of Duty to Switch

Following Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's surprise announcement (modeled after Beyoncé's album release strategy), reports suggest both Activision and Nintendo are collaborating to bring the iconic first-person shooter franchise to Switch. But does this mean Black Ops 7 will arrive on Switch 2?

The announcement trailer conspicuously omitted platform logos, though Activision confirmed availability for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Xbox PC, Battle.net, and Steam. Nintendo's next-gen console received no mention.

The anticipation surrounding Switch 2 stems from specific commitments made in 2023. Microsoft had signed a landmark 10-year agreement ensuring Call of Duty would reach Nintendo platforms simultaneously with Xbox releases, maintaining full feature parity.

This agreement formed part of Microsoft's strategy to secure regulatory approval for its $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. By guaranteeing cross-platform availability, Microsoft aimed to demonstrate its commitment to gaming accessibility amid concerns about potential platform exclusivity.

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Regulatory challenges temporarily complicated matters, with the UK's CMA initially blocking the deal over technical concerns. The authority argued current Nintendo hardware couldn't support Call of Duty at comparable quality levels to other platforms.

Ultimately, Microsoft prevailed, securing ownership of the franchise. Regarding the Nintendo commitment, Activision confirmed ongoing collaboration: "We're actively working with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty to Switch. Both teams are engaged in the process and will share details when available."

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Xbox Games Series Tier List

While Black Ops 7 seems improbable for the current Switch given its last-gen console releases (PS4/Xbox One), a Switch 2 version appears more feasible. The franchise has been absent from Nintendo platforms since Call of Duty: Ghosts' 2013 Wii U release.

The timing of any announcement remains speculative - potential reveals could align with future Nintendo Direct presentations. The gaming community eagerly awaits confirmation about Call of Duty's return to Nintendo consoles after its decade-long hiatus.