Gamerant, an international gaming news site, recently analyzed Microsoft's understated appearance at the Nintendo Switch 2 launch event and explored its potential implications for the upcoming Xbox showcase in June.
Since Microsoft announced a multi-platform strategy last year, there have been numerous rumors about former Xbox exclusives coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Reliable insiders had mentioned plans to port “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” and “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024” to Switch 2 later this year. Others suggested that “Sea of Thieves” and “Forza Horizon 5” were also being considered. Hence, many expected Microsoft to have a significant presence at the Switch 2 launch.
However, despite numerous leaks and rumors, last week’s Switch 2 launch had almost no Microsoft-related content. The only first-party Xbox game shown was “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.” While owned by Microsoft, its appearance wasn’t surprising since it had already been announced for all modern platforms including the original Nintendo Switch. Though Microsoft’s low profile might disappoint potential Switch 2 users, they shouldn’t lose hope as surprises might be in store at June’s Xbox showcase.
Microsoft has announced that its annual Xbox Games Showcase will take place on June 8, 2025. While specific details about the event remain scarce, the company has confirmed that it will feature an extensive look at Obsidian Entertainment's forthcoming sci-fi RPG, The Outer Worlds 2.
Notably, although Microsoft mentioned that the Xbox Games Showcase will preview some upcoming first-party and third-party titles, they did not specify whether any Xbox-exclusive games would appear. This doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be any exclusives; however, it does suggest many featured titles might be multi-platform. Microsoft seems unafraid to make this clear.
Earlier this year in January, Microsoft hosted an Xbox Developer Direct event showcasing five games set to join Xbox Game Pass. Interestingly enough, nearly all these showcased titles were multi-platform. Unlike usual practices where such information might be omitted, Microsoft explicitly mentioned their release on PS5 during the event—something that surprised many. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division, commented that players should expect to see PlayStation and Nintendo logos in future Xbox showcases as Microsoft aims for greater “honesty and transparency” regarding game availability across platforms.
In addition to the titles revealed at Xbox Developer Direct, Microsoft has promised to release some of its games on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio, Phil expressed his excitement about supporting Nintendo’s new console, adding that he believes it will be as successful as the original Switch. This year’s Call of Duty game is expected to be one of Microsoft’s first titles for the new console, thanks to a 10-year agreement with Nintendo to bring this popular FPS series to both the Switch and Switch 2 platforms.
Considering Phil Spencer's remarks, fans should anticipate seeing numerous Switch 2 and PS5 logos at the Xbox Games Showcase. This includes major first-party titles like *Halo* and *Gears of War*. Microsoft's support for the original Switch was limited due to the console's inability to run many Xbox-developed games. However, with the significantly more powerful Nintendo Switch 2, it is likely that it can handle most, if not all, Microsoft-developed titles.