Microsoft to Enable Xbox Games Play on Rival Nintendo Platform
February 21, 2023
Microsoft Feb. 21 announced it would allow its Xbox video games on the rival Nintendo platform. Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of the software giant, made the announcement of the 10-year partnership between the two gaming companies on social media.
Key to the deal would be the availability of Activision titles on Nintendo, including all “Call of Duty” titles, one of the all-time most-popular game franchises. Microsoft is currently facing some pushback from regulators in Europe and the U.S. regarding its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision.
Smith and a reported 18 executives from Microsoft and Activision were set to meet Feb. 21 with European Union regulators, according to Reuters. Representatives from Sony Interactive Entertainment. Google and Entertainment Arts (EA), which all oppose the merger, are also set to attend.
Wall Street investment firm Deutsche Bank Feb. 16 issued a note underscoring the importance key video game franchises play in the current gaming market.
“December quarter results for the major U.S. video game publishers demonstrated that, across the industry, consumer spending patterns are getting weaker overall, and users are increasingly gravitating towards the biggest franchises and the most well known IP,” analyst Benjamin Soff wrote.
In its most-recent fiscal period, Activision reported a 43% uptick in video game license revenue to $3.75 billion, from $2.5 billion in the previous-year period — led by “Call of Duty.”
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We’ve now signed a binding 10-year contract to bring Xbox games to Nintendo’s gamers. This is just part of our commitment to bring Xbox games and Activision titles like Call of Duty to more players on more platforms. pic.twitter.com/JmO0hzw1BO
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) February 21, 2023