Microsoft not ruling out Xbox game streaming on Switch

Microsoft hasn’t ruled out the possibility of streaming Xbox titles to Nintendo Switch, but it’s not currently a priority, according to gaming boss Phil Spencer.

The company is preparing to launch game streaming service xCloud this October, enabling it to deliver “console-quality gaming” to Android mobile devices, and potentially bring its products to rival console platforms too.

Speaking to Giant Bomb about Microsoft’s desire to offer its games and services on as many devices as possible, Xbox boss Spencer was asked specifically how Nintendo Switch might fit into the equation.

“I’ve said, over time, I’d like to take Game Pass everywhere,” he said. “We’re focused on the streaming side, at least, on Android just because in some ways it’s the hardest for us because it’s so diverse in terms of the number of devices.

“I love the role that Nintendo plays in the industry,” he continued. “I love the fact that Minecraft Dungeons was announced there and we have really good relationships with them, and obviously Banjo is in Smash like you said, but that platform is different enough from an Xbox platform that it’s not trivial for us just to say, ‘Ok, all those games would run there.’ So, then you’re like, ‘Ok, are we going to stream the games to there?’

“I love what Switch is, but the opportunity globally to focus on an Android platform is just such a natural first move for us. And frankly, it’ll take us quite a while to work through that, so that’s the focus for us right now.”

Spencer added: “But I want to have the best console experience because of what it gives you. I want you to feel like you’re sitting on the couch with an amazing experience, it sounds great and I have access to any game that I want to play, and if I want to take that while I’m on the go, I think the Switch is a really cool platform for that. It’s just that in the near-term, it’s kind of hard for us to prioritise different than we are today.”

While Microsoft is investing heavily in streaming, Nintendo has said it’s “keeping a close eye on” the technology, although its current focus remains on physical game sales and digital downloads through eShop.