The gaming world tuned in eagerly to Nintendo’s latest Partner Showcase, a digital event promising a peek at upcoming Switch games from third-party developers. But amidst the reveals and surprises, one name was conspicuously absent: Microsoft. Despite swirling rumors and fervent speculation that Xbox Game Studios titles could be headed to the Switch’s successor, Microsoft had precisely zero presence during the broadcast.
The absence felt particularly jarring given the pre-show buzz. Industry insiders and forums have been alight for weeks with chatter suggesting Microsoft was preparing a significant push onto Nintendo’s next-generation platform, codenamed "Switch 2." Reports suggested potential ports of major franchises like Halo or Gears of War, alongside established hits already available elsewhere like Sea of Thieves or Grounded. The logic seemed sound: Microsoft’s strategy under Phil Spencer has increasingly emphasized reaching players anywhere, exemplified by bringing games like Ori and Minecraft Dungeons to Switch, and launching day-one titles on rival consoles like PlayStation 5.
You can watch the full Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase here:
Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase - February 2025
While the showcase delivered plenty of exciting announcements from other partners – including the shadow-drop of Metal Slug Tactics, a new Lego Horizon Adventures trailer, and the confirmation of *Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake* for Switch – the lack of even a hint of Xbox green left many fans scratching their heads. Was this a deliberate snub? A sign the rumored Switch 2 ports weren't ready? Or simply that the deals weren't finalized in time for this specific event?
Adding another layer of intrigue is Microsoft’s recent focus beyond just consoles. Just this week, Xbox chief Phil Spencer gave a wide-ranging interview to Variety discussing the expansion of Xbox franchises into film and television. He offered updates on the highly anticipated Minecraft movie and confirmed development had begun on Fallout Season 2, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to building its gaming IP into broader entertainment properties.
This focus on multimedia expansion makes the Nintendo Direct no-show even more curious. If Microsoft is serious about putting its games in front of as many people as possible, skipping a major showcase aimed directly at Nintendo's massive audience seems counterintuitive, especially when rumors point towards a future partnership on the next Switch.
So, what gives? Here are the prevailing theories:
- "Switch 2" Timing: The most plausible explanation is that any potential Xbox games for Nintendo's next hardware are tied to the launch of that system, not the current Switch. Announcing them now, potentially months before the new console is even revealed, could undermine current Switch sales and muddy the marketing waters. Nintendo might be saving its biggest third-party "Switch 2" reveals for its own dedicated event.
- Deal Details Pending: Negotiations between corporate giants are complex. It's possible that while talks are happening, the ink isn't dry on any specific titles for Nintendo's next platform, making an announcement premature.
- Focus on the Here and Now: Microsoft might be prioritizing its immediate slate – upcoming Xbox Series X|S games, Game Pass additions, and the multimedia push highlighted in the Variety interview – over teasing future plans on a competitor's platform, even if those plans exist.
- The Rumors Were Overblown: Perhaps the whispers were simply wrong, or referred to smaller titles not deemed "showcase-worthy." Microsoft's commitment to bringing some games to other consoles doesn't necessarily mean a flood of ports to Switch 2.
Nintendo, as always, remains tight-lipped about its future hardware and partnerships. Microsoft has offered no official comment on its absence or the Switch 2 rumors.
The Takeaway:
While the Nintendo Direct delivered exciting games, Microsoft's silence was arguably one of the biggest stories. Their absence fuels speculation but provides no answers. It throws cold water on immediate expectations of seeing Master Chief or Marcus Fenix on the Switch eShop tomorrow, but it doesn't definitively kill the possibility for the future. For now, gamers hoping for a major Xbox-Nintendo alliance on the next Switch will have to keep waiting, watching, and maybe rewatching Phil Spencer's comments about reaching players everywhere – wondering when, or if, "everywhere" definitively includes Nintendo's next big thing. The ball, it seems, remains firmly in Microsoft's court.
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