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| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Switch 2 mockup image is shown |
For years, Nintendo Switch owners have watched from the sidelines as each new Call of Duty release arrived on rival platforms. Despite a landmark agreement from Microsoft to bring the franchise to Nintendo consoles following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the blockbuster shooter has remained conspicuously absent. Now, new insights from trusted sources suggest the wait might have a concrete end in sight, with the Switch 2 poised to get its first taste of the action.
A 2026 Target Emerges Amid Dev Kit Delays
The question shifted from "if" to "when" after Microsoft’s binding commitments. According to a recent update from Jez Corden, Executive Editor at Windows Central, the “when” is likely 2026. He suggests a Call of Duty title—with Black Ops 7 cited as a strong candidate—could arrive on the next-generation Nintendo handheld that year.
So, why the continued hold-up? Corden shed light on the situation in a social media exchange, pointing to a logistical bottleneck. When asked why Black Ops 7’s initial release date omitted the Switch 2, he explained that a lack of developer kits was a key factor. Nintendo was reportedly selective in the early distribution of these crucial tools to studios.
This aligns with the puzzling scenario where Microsoft, publicly committed to day-one multiplatform releases, wasn’t prioritized. Nevertheless, the development wheels are now turning. Corden revealed that “The first CoD Switch version is nearly done and launching in a few months,” later clarifying that 2026 is the safer bet for a full Switch 2 game.
For the curious, Jez Corden’s initial comments on the dev kit situation can be seen here:
https://x.com/JezCorden/status/2003171421879460027
Is Black Ops 7 Technically Feasible on Switch 2?
For fans, the dream port is the latest mainline entry. There’s good news on that front. The confirmed specs for the Switch 2, aided by technologies like NVIDIA’s DLSS, have already opened the door for more demanding titles. Furthermore, Black Ops 7 itself is launching on prior-generation consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), indicating its scalability. A skilled porting studio could likely deliver a respectable handheld experience, bridging the gap for Nintendo gamers.
Where is the day one with Xbox, Nintendo Switch port of Call of Duty Microsoft promised? https://t.co/ANiy4OnAUJ
— tae kim (@firstadopter) December 21, 2025
The Call of Duty Mobile Wild Card
Another compelling possibility is a tailored version of the wildly successful Call of Duty Mobile. This would be a less technically daunting port for developers and brings a proven, live-service hit directly to a handheld audience. Activision has seen tremendous success with the mobile version, and a recent job listing at Sledgehammer Games hints at this direction. The studio is seeking a Senior Technical Artist with experience in "AAA mobile or Switch" titles, specifically noting a background in Warzone as relevant.
The pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Activision reaffirmed its Nintendo commitment as recently as June 2025. If technical hurdles are being cleared, the industry eyes events like the potential Xbox Developer Direct in January as a logical stage for a formal announcement.
Corden followed up with additional context on the development timeline, which you can find here:
https://x.com/JezCorden/status/2003179459936145530
In Memoriam: Vince Zampella
In far more tragic and unrelated news, the gaming world is mourning the loss of Vince Zampella, a co-creator of the original Call of Duty and a legendary figure in the shooter genre. He passed away at the age of 55. His visionary work laid the foundation for the franchise that continues to dominate today, and his impact on the industry will not be forgotten.
The Bottom Line
The path to Call of Duty on a Nintendo handheld has been longer than many anticipated, slowed by post-acquisition logistics and hardware transitions. However, credible reporting now points to a tangible goal: a Switch 2 release in 2026. Whether it’s a scaled-down Black Ops 7, a Mobile port, or another surprise, the waiting game for Nintendo fans finally appears to be entering its final stages.