Call of Duty is finally coming home to Nintendo. Dataminers digging through the latest Call of Duty HQ update discovered explicit Nintendo platform references in game files. After years of Microsoft’s legally binding promises, the code confirms Activision’s blockbuster shooter series will return to Nintendo hardware for the first time since Wii U’s Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013.
Windows Central’s Jez Corden broke the story last month, reporting the first CoD Switch version is ‘nearly done’ and targeting early 2026. Recent datamining validates his claim – Nintendo appears alongside PlayStation, Xbox, and PC as official platforms. Reddit’s GamingLeaksAndRumours lit up with screenshots showing the platform integration.
Microsoft’s Promise Becomes Reality
Back in February 2023, Microsoft president Brad Smith signed a 10-year agreement with Nintendo to deliver Call of Duty ‘day-and-date with Xbox, full feature parity.’ Regulators worried Microsoft would pull CoD from PlayStation post-Activision acquisition. The Nintendo deal proved Microsoft’s commitment to cross-platform access.
Activision reiterated this June 2025 after Black Ops 7’s reveal: ‘We’re committed to getting the franchise on Switch. Both teams are working on it.’ Despite Black Ops 7 skipping Switch 2 at launch, recent code confirms development hit milestones. Jez Corden’s December bombshell aligned perfectly with today’s file discoveries.
What Game Will Launch on Switch 2?
Multiple candidates make sense:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Post-launch port after October 2025 release
- Call of Duty: Warzone – Free-to-play battle royale perfect for handheld
- CoD 2026 – Modern Warfare IV, first day-one Nintendo release
- Mobile port – Warzone Mobile integration with console matchmaking
Recent job listings sought developers with ‘Nintendo Switch experience,’ suggesting native Switch 2 optimization rather than cloud streaming. Sledgehammer Games reportedly hired handheld specialists for 2026’s annual title.
Technical Hurdles Cleared
UK regulators blocked Microsoft’s acquisition in 2023, claiming ‘Nintendo consoles aren’t technically capable of running Call of Duty.’ Switch 2 proves them wrong. Matching Xbox Series S performance with DLSS upscaling, Nintendo’s hybrid handles modern shooters. 2026’s CoD reportedly drops PS4/Xbox One support, aligning perfectly with Switch 2 capabilities.
Activision job postings confirmed Switch devkit access resumed post-launch. Development delays stemmed from limited early devkits, now resolved. The legally mandated ‘feature parity’ means Switch 2 gets campaign, multiplayer, zombies – same as Xbox.
Perfect Timing for 2026
Switch 2 sold 10+ million units by September 2025. Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass integration grows monthly. Call of Duty arrives when:
- Switch 2 userbase rivals PS5/Xbox Series
- Black Ops 7 hits mid-season content
- Xbox Developer Direct looms (January 2026)
- Nintendo’s February Direct approaches
- CoD 2026 development completes
Free-to-play Warzone makes most sense first. Downloads barrier-free, live service model, handheld-friendly. Paid Black Ops 7 follows as premium showcase. Annual 2026 title launches simultaneously across platforms.
Datamining Evidence Piles Up
Gameranx, Notebookcheck, and Destructoid confirmed the files mention Nintendo explicitly. ResetEra threads dissect code strings showing platform detection. No smoke without fire – Activision can’t fake internal development files across multiple outlets.
Jez Corden doubled down in Windows Central: ‘Call of Duty drops on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, fulfilling Microsoft’s regulator promises.’ Multiple CoD titles expected annually per 10-year contract. First launches set precedent for decade-long partnership.
FAQs About Call of Duty on Nintendo
Which Call of Duty game comes to Switch 2 first?
Most likely Warzone (free-to-play) or Black Ops 7 post-launch port. 2026’s Modern Warfare IV expected day-one across all platforms including Nintendo.
Will it have feature parity with Xbox?
Contractually required. Campaign, multiplayer, zombies, ranked play – identical content. Graphics scaled appropriately for hardware, but features match exactly.
Does it support cross-play?
Expected. Modern CoD mandates cross-progression. Switch 2 players join PS5/Xbox/PC lobbies with input-based matchmaking options.
When’s the announcement?
Xbox Developer Direct (January 2026) or Nintendo February Direct most likely. Files confirm readiness – marketing plans accelerate.
Can original Switch play it?
Possible companion release, but primary target Switch 2. Hardware gap too wide for feature parity on 2017 model.
Price expectations?
Warzone free. Premium titles $70 standard. Game Pass Ultimate includes day-one access for subscribers.
Last CoD on Nintendo?
Call of Duty: Ghosts (Wii U, 2013). 13-year gap ends with Microsoft’s acquisition fulfilling regulator demands.
History in the Making
Microsoft delivers on acquisition promises. Nintendo gains blockbuster exclusive after decade absence. Switch 2 cements hybrid dominance with Genshin Impact, Fortnite, now Call of Duty. 2026 becomes landmark year bridging console wars.
Datamining doesn’t lie. Game files confirm what regulators demanded, insiders predicted, fans hoped. Joy-Cons enter killstreaks. Orange scopes glow on handheld screens. Call of Duty returns home – legally binding, technically feasible, culturally inevitable.