How Xbox Game Pass on Switch 2 Could Revolutionize Gaming

<p>The exciting prospect of Xbox Game Pass on the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has become a hopeful dream for many, though it is accompanied by the realization of a growing gaming backlog.

As adult responsibilities demand more of my time, I’ve come to accept that my gaming list may never be fully completed. Yet, the Nintendo Switch emerged as a transformative solution, allowing gamers like me to experience home console-quality games on the go—perfect for those times when the living room TV is occupied.

While it might not boast the raw power of the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or the latest PS5 and Series X|S, the Switch’s capabilities were more than sufficient for my needs. I have a fondness for both Nintendo’s first-party releases and remastered classics that have spent years awaiting my attention.

Nintendo Switch OLED commute Animal Crossing New Lead — Nintendo

The portability of the Switch is still its greatest asset.

A Hub for Remastered Classics

The Nintendo Switch often receives criticism for its focus on remastered titles; however, this is one of my favorite features. It enables me to work through my extensive gaming backlog, and I anticipate that the Switch 2 will continue this tradition. While new intellectual properties (IPs) are thrilling, a more powerful console would allow for even better remasters.

The prospect of Microsoft potentially introducing its beloved franchises like Halo to the Nintendo ecosystem is equally enticing. It conjures nostalgic memories of Sonic the Hedgehog games gracing Nintendo consoles in the past.

Imagining a future where Xbox Game Pass becomes available on the Switch 2 adds to the excitement. Although it’s speculative and no official announcement has been made, the idea of Halo appearing on a Nintendo platform seems plausible in an evolving gaming landscape.

For me, this development represents a natural progression in the ongoing partnership between Xbox and Nintendo. For someone like me, frantically trying to conquer an ever-growing backlog, access to Xbox games on a portable system would provide immense relief.

I’ve seen friends reveling in this experience on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, and I’ve often considered making that purchase. Yet, lingering hope for the Switch 2 continues to hold me back.

If an official alliance between Xbox and Nintendo emerges, the gaming industry could undergo a dramatic transformation. The Switch 2 is poised to have a broader market appeal than handhelds like the ROG Ally, and making Game Pass available on a widely used device would benefit both companies significantly—creating a challenge that would be tough for Sony to counter.

While solutions like Backbone and PlayStation Portal offer remote play options, they do not match the seamless experience of native gameplay. Streaming has its merits, but in 2025, I still find it cumbersome and plagued by lag.

Rethinking the Future of Xbox

Xbox Handheld — Dexerto / Microsoft / Valve

Integrating Xbox Game Pass into portable consoles could revolutionize the gaming landscape.

It’s essential to acknowledge that the Xbox brand encompasses far more than just Game Pass. It includes all of Microsoft’s first-party titles, with recent acquisitions like Activision Blizzard further enhancing its portfolio. Even if Xbox pivots away from traditional consoles to adopt a more service-oriented model, it remains a formidable player, and any hardware with access to its extensive library holds immense value—especially with potential exclusives.

However, it’s important to temper expectations regarding the Switch 2’s ability to match PlayStation’s performance and graphical capabilities, raising doubts about the feasibility of the Xbox vision as envisioned. The Switch 2 and PC may not provide sufficient support for Xbox moving forward.

Yet, it’s a scenario worth contemplating—and perhaps one that could manifest in the future. The idea of Xbox following in Sega’s footsteps to transition from a hardware-focused brand to a service-centric entity is bittersweet. Such a change would be lamentable, as Xbox offers a unique flavor to the gaming market.

While I appreciate the design of my Xbox Series S alongside my PS5, acknowledging the shift in my relationship with the brand is critical. I hold Microsoft’s exclusive games and Game Pass service in high regard, and if these services were to expand to third-party devices such as the Switch 2, I would undoubtedly embrace that shift. Though the possibility of closer ties between Xbox and Nintendo presents a bittersweet thought, it signifies positive development and a real chance to tackle my continuously expanding gaming backlog.

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