Xbox Game Pass on Switch 2 Is The Future of Gaming

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I’ve started fantasizing about Xbox Game Pass on the Nintendo Switch 2, but despite its appeal, there’s also a tinge of sadness that accompanies this thought.

Over time, as my commitments increase and consume more of my days, I’ve accepted that my backlog of video games will never completely disappear. However, the Nintendo Switch has provided a solution for me to tackle it. This console is unique because it lets me play high-quality home console games anywhere, making it particularly useful when my home TV is busy.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that the Switch may not have matched the raw power of the PS4, Xbox One, PS5, or Series X|S, but it didn’t need to. What truly captivated me was its unique blend of portable and home gaming, a feature that no other console could offer. Additionally, I’ve always had a soft spot for updated versions of classic games that have been lingering in my backlog for years, especially when they come from Nintendo’s stable or are brand-new releases.

A portable remaster machine

Despite criticism for being primarily a portable remastering device, The Switch is personally what I admire most about it. It assists me in clearing my gaming backlog, and I eagerly anticipate that the Switch 2 will maintain this pattern. While new intellectual properties are intriguing, a more powerful Switch would also result in improved remasters.

The idea that Microsoft might introduce their exclusive game series, such as Halo, on their console is equally exciting. This is reminiscent of when Sonic the Hedgehog games were available on Nintendo consoles during the GameCube era.

In my opinion, if Microsoft were to expand its Xbox Game Pass service to the potential Switch 2 in the future, it could indeed improve significantly. Although there’s no official confirmation yet, considering the possibility of games like Halo appearing on Nintendo platforms, isn’t it conceivable that such a scenario might not be too far-fetched?

From where I stand, it seems like a logical progression for that collaboration to unfold further. Struggling to keep afloat amidst an ever-growing workload, an Xbox console I can take with me would serve as a vital lifesaver.

I’ve observed friends delighting in games on devices such as the ASUS ROG Ally, and I’ve found myself repeatedly contemplating a purchase. However, there’s been a factor holding me back from finalizing it: the anticipation that the Switch 2 might deliver the same experience.

Forming an alliance, Xbox and Nintendo could significantly disrupt the gaming industry. It’s likely that the successor to the Switch, being more mainstream, will outshine the ROG Ally. With a Game Pass device in such widespread use, it could prove beneficial for both parties – something that Sony might find challenging to match.

Instruments such as the Backbone or PlayStation Portal make remote play possible, yet it’s important to acknowledge that streaming gameplay isn’t quite up to par with playing natively. Although we may hope for improvements in the future, my personal experience in 2025 still finds it clumsy and prone to lags.

The potential pairing of Game Pass with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 might create an ideal union; however, this collaboration could spark debates about the future direction of the Xbox brand. As the Xbox brand increasingly transforms into a service rather than a line of consoles, one may question whether the “box” aspect is still essential in its identity.

The future of Xbox

The Xbox brand extends far beyond just Game Pass; it encompasses all of Microsoft’s exclusive first-party games as well. This now encompasses Activision Blizzard and numerous other developers who were previously independent. Even if Xbox decides to step away from the traditional console competition and evolve into something more abstract, it remains a formidable presence in the gaming industry. Any console that gains access to its library is a contender, especially if there are exclusive titles involved.

While it’s doubtful that the Switch 2 can rival any PlayStation’s power or graphical quality, it seems stretching the bounds of possibility to suggest it could outdo an Xbox. Similarly, comparing the capabilities of the Switch 2 and a PC may also fall short in meeting Xbox standards.

Consider this as a possibility – it might happen someday. If Xbox were to follow in Sega’s footsteps by leaving the console market and focusing on other areas, it could potentially lead to something substantial, but it would also mark a regrettable departure from the console race.

Just as I’m deeply fond of Nintendo and PlayStation, Xbox consoles have carved out a distinct niche in the gaming market for themselves. It’s hard to imagine a world without an Xbox, and my tiny Series S, standing alongside my PS5, is a testament to that fact. Yet, my choice for this console has sparked a transformation in my gaming journey, making me feel compelled to acknowledge that my bond with Xbox has evolved in a way I didn’t anticipate.

I highly prioritize their unique games and Game Pass subscription over anything else, and should they extend it to other devices like the potential Switch 2, I’d undoubtedly join in. While such a development might bring mixed feelings, a stronger partnership between Xbox and Nintendo is indeed beneficial, and it would certainly aid me in tackling my continually expanding game library.

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2025-01-16 02:05