Modern Warfare 4 On Switch 2 Has Been “So Smooth” For Infinity Ward
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant return for the franchise to a Nintendo platform after a long hiatus. The last time a Call of Duty title appeared on a Nintendo console was in 2013 with Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U. Infinity Ward, the studio behind the Modern Warfare series, has confirmed that the Switch 2 version of MW4 is progressing "so smoothly," according to co-studio head Jack O'Hara.
O'Hara shared his thoughts on the development process during an interview with GamesRadar. "The game got up and running on the platform really quickly once we got the hardware. So far, it's been really good. To be honest, it's been really fun to be on a new platform," he said. This positive sentiment contrasts with earlier statements from former Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who indicated that adapting Call of Duty to the Switch would require substantial effort.
Cross-Play And Performance Considerations
Infinity Ward has also confirmed that cross-play between the Switch 2 and other platforms — including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC — is supported. However, O'Hara noted that the exact balance of players on each platform at launch remains uncertain. "We'll see at launch exactly where the mix ends up," he said, highlighting the dynamic nature of multiplayer matchmaking across different hardware.
The Switch 2 is not as powerful as the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, which raises questions about potential performance differences or graphical compromises in the Nintendo version of Modern Warfare 4. However, Infinity Ward has not indicated any major changes to the game's core experience, suggesting that the Switch 2 version will maintain the same level of quality and content as its counterparts on other platforms.
Microsoft’s Strategy And The Activision Deal
Microsoft’s decision to bring Call of Duty to the Nintendo Switch was part of a broader strategy to secure regulatory approval for its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In 2023, the company pledged to release Call of Duty titles on the Switch on the same day as Xbox platforms, with full features and content parity. This commitment underscores the importance of expanding the Call of Duty franchise's reach across multiple platforms.
With Modern Warfare 4 launching on October 23 for the Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, fans of the series can look forward to a unified experience across different systems. However, the game will not be available on PS4 or Xbox One, aligning with the industry's shift toward next-generation hardware.
Preorders for MW4 are currently open for all platforms except the Switch 2, with Activision offering a "Loyalty" discount that provides 10% off the game's Vault edition. This promotion aims to reward long-time fans of the franchise while encouraging new players to jump into the latest Call of Duty installment.
