When Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase, players noticed something important was missing: Nintendo platforms weren’t on the launch list. No mention of Switch or Switch 2, despite the franchise's massive popularity. But Activision’s response? They’re definitely working with Nintendo. Let’s unpack that.
The 10‑Year Commitments: A Tech-Giant Bet
Back in 2022–2023, when Microsoft finalized its $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, regulators expressed concern about exclusivity. To address this, Microsoft struck two major deals:
A 10‑year agreement with Nintendo guaranteeing Call of Duty would appear on Nintendo platforms.
A similar pact with Sony to continue support for PlayStation platformsThose deals were legally binding, not marketing fluff and still firmly in place today .
Black Ops 7 Omission: Why No Switch Mention Yet?
The official announcement confirmed Black Ops 7 for PC, PS4/5 and Xbox One/Series X|S, but omitted Switch versions. That caused concern but there's context:
Nintendo Switch 2 just launched, so marketing pushes likely prioritized established platforms first.Coders and devs (Treyarch Raven Software) need time to optimize for new hardware.
Activision signaled a delayed rollout: “Will share details when ready.In other words, the Switch version isn’t dead it’s just taking longer to align with development schedules.
Activision’s Clarification: “Still Committed”
Multiple outlets—including Eurogamer (via IGN), Gadgets360, TechRadar, Windows Central, Game Spot, Hot Hardware, and Pure Xbox—quote the same core message from Activision:
We’re committed to getting the franchise on Switch. Both teams are working on it. Will share details when ready.
This consistency across sources shows it’s not a spin—it’s straight from Activision’s mouth.
The Switch 2 Difference: Technical and Time Factors
The original Switch was underpowered for modern Call of Duty titles. But Switch 2 packs enough punch—consider Cyberpunk 2077 launching at day one on it.
What’s different now:
Stronger hardware on Switch 2 means full-feature parity is possible.It took months post-launch to get dev kits, tools, and optimizations in place.
Activision likely held off announcing the Switch version until performance is stable and look polished.Hot Hardware speculates we may see a reveal via a Nintendo Direct later this summer
Why It’s a Big Deal—For Developers & Fans
Content parity: Gamers expect Call of Duty features—campaign, multiplayer, Zombies to match across platforms.
Simultaneous release pressure: Microsoft’s deal promised day-one launch. Fans will expect that.What to Watch Next
Here’s what we can expect in the coming months:
Summer Reveal: Likely slot in an upcoming Nintendo Direct or trailer update.Technical Deep-Dive: Expect details on optimization, graphics scaling, and online features.
Confirmation of Schedule: Will it launch alongside Xbox/PlayStation/PC—late 2025, possibly around Sept–Nov? Or will it be slightly delayed?Treyarch’s dual-studio approach (with Raven Software) is geared to meet simultaneous timelines, according to Windows Central That suggests the Switch 2 version is part of the early-phase roadmap, just delivered later in the year.
Still Waiting—but Promises Made
Let’s be crystal clear:
No official Switch listing at launch doesn’t mean Call of Duty pulling out.Activision has publically stated its commitment to Switch, and is actively developing that version.
Realistically, the Switch version will arrive later not at launch, but still within 2025—likely when the game’s optimizations are complete.For Nintendo fans especially those who upgraded to Switch 2—this is a big win. You’ll likely get that full COD experience soon. Just keep an eye on summer game events and Nintendo announcements for the reveal.
Takeaways
| Insight | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Microsoft 10-Year Deal | LEGALLY required Switch release through 2033 |
| COD Launch Omission | Likely timing—not cancellation |
| Activision Statement | “We’re committed… will share details” confirms active work |
| Hardware Capabilities | Switch 2 can handle modern FPS games—dev work still on- going |
| Watch for Announcements | Expect news later this summer via Direct/Showcase |
Here’s the Black Ops 7 teaser for context get a glimpse of the 2035 world you’ll explore on whatever platform you choose:
If you’re a Switch or Switch 2 owner, don’t worry—you didn’t miss anything. Activision and Nintendo are clearly working together. The delay is about polish and quality, not abandonment. Expect a full announcement and eventual release—so gear up, because Call of Duty is coming to your Nintendo shelf sooner than you think.
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