Xbox & Nintendo: A Power-Up Partnership For Switch 2

It looks like Xbox and Nintendo are strengthening their relationship before the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This could be a big moment for cross-platform gaming. This partnership was first talked about in a Nintendo financial report from 2023, but things are now really moving forward behind the scenes. A new story from Tom Warren at The Verge says that Microsoft is working on a number of Xbox games for Switch 2. An announcement is likely to come soon.

There's more to this push for multi-platform than just moving games. It's a sign of a bigger change in Xbox's approach, and fans have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, bringing Microsoft's games to more devices means that more people can enjoy them. On the other hand, Xbox fans are still worried about what this means for the company's dedication to its own devices.

These questions won't have full answers until Microsoft talks about its plans for the next-generation device. But for now, it looks like the partnership between Xbox and Nintendo is getting stronger, and Switch 2 is the biggest beneficiary.

What Games Are Coming?

That being said, what exactly is coming up? The list isn't public yet, but Warren's sources and recent rumors point the way.

Age of Empires is a likely choice, especially since the Switch 2 is said to allow mouse input. When put together, they might make a fairly smooth real-time strategy game for a handheld console.

Also, Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves are very high on the list. With both already out on PlayStation 5, it wouldn't be a surprise if they came to the Switch 2. The fact that Microsoft sold the IP and its studio to Krafton may make things a little more difficult for Hi-Fi Rush, but leaks from earlier this year suggested that a Nintendo version was already being made before the sale.

A lot of things make sense in Sea of Thieves. Fans of Nintendo games from the N64 era feel a connection to Rare, the company that made Sea of Thieves, through old games. There is still a lot of interest in the game, so a Switch 2 version could bring it new life.

Could Halo be ready for handheld play?

The most unexpected name being thrown around? Halo: The Collection of the Master Chief. The collection has been rumored for a long time to come to PlayStation and Nintendo systems. It would be a huge moment for Xbox's most famous series. Even if Halo 7 stays an Xbox-only game, bringing new fans to the series through older games could help the brand get back on track.

Also, letting people who have never played an Xbox play Halo again is a smart move. The Master Chief Collection could do well in Nintendo's environment, especially if cross-play is added. It has a long history and a history of multiplayer games.

Forza and the Switch's Power 2

Forza Horizon 5 is another great option to think about. The open-world racer already works well on the Steam Deck, and since the Switch 2 is slated to support DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), it might not be too hard to make a version that works well on Nintendo's hardware.

With Forza already coming to PlayStation, a Nintendo port would show that Microsoft is willing to rethink its approach to keeping games exclusive to reach more people.

A Rare Comeback?

Aside from the big names, some people think that old Rare games might come back through Switch Online, where Nintendo has already been releasing hits from the N64 era. But there are a few cases that might get their own releases. For example, Killer Instinct, which got a big update in late 2023, might be ready for a Nintendo comeback.

When will we find out more?

With the E3 season coming up soon, Microsoft or Nintendo could make public announcements at many different events. From Summer Game Fest to their own shows, and now that both companies have been approved for Gamescom, news comes out all summer long.

It's clear that things are picking up speed, whether it's a steady stream of surprise videos or a big reveal during a Direct. And if this partnership lives up to the rumors about what it could do, it could change the rules for platform monopoly in a big way going forward.