Is the Call of Duty Drought Finally Over for Nintendo?

After over a decade of absence from Nintendo platforms, Call of Duty appears poised to make its triumphant return. Recent job listings from Sledgehammer Games have revealed that the legendary first-person shooter franchise is finally heading to the Nintendo Switch 2, marking a historic moment for both the platform and the series. This development represents the fulfillment of Microsoft’s long-standing commitment made during its acquisition of Activision Blizzard—a promise that will reshape the gaming landscape for millions of Nintendo fans worldwide.

The 12-Year Drought

The Call of Duty franchise has been conspicuously missing from Nintendo consoles since 2013, creating a significant gap in the platform’s library of AAA shooters.

Key Timeline Points:

• Last Nintendo Release: Call of Duty: Ghosts launched on Wii U in 2013
• Years of Silence: Over 12 years without a new Call of Duty game on Nintendo hardware
• Hardware Limitations: Original Nintendo Switch lacked the processing power for modern Call of Duty titles

Impact of the Absence:

• Despite lacking Call of Duty, original Switch thrived to become 2nd best-selling console of all time
• Nintendo proved first-party exclusives could drive massive success without major third-party franchises
• However, Switch 2’s enhanced power has created significant demand for AAA third-party titles
• Nintendo is misses out on massive revenue yearly from game sales and microtransactions

Microsoft’s Acquisition Promise: A Binding 10-Year Agreement

When Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in October 2023, bringing Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms became a legally binding requirement.

Details of the Agreement:

• Duration: 10-year commitment to release Call of Duty on Nintendo platforms
• Regulatory Requirement: Mandated as part of acquisition approval process
• Global Oversight: Agreement monitored by regulatory bodies including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
• Platform Parity: Ensures Nintendo players receive major franchise entries alongside other platforms
• Current Status: No Call of Duty titles have launched on Nintendo hardware since the deal

Sledgehammer Games Job Listing: The Smoking Gun

A recent LinkedIn job posting from Sledgehammer Games has provided the clearest evidence yet that Call of Duty is actively being developed for Nintendo Switch 2.

Job Listing Details:

• Position: Senior Technical Artist (Animation Tools)
• Required Experience: Animation pipelines, rigging workflows, art-engineering collaboration
• Critical Requirement: “AAA mobile or Switch experience” listed as “Bonus XP”
• Location: Sledgehammer Games Toronto studio in Canada
• Studio Focus: Sledgehammer has worked exclusively on Call of Duty since founding in 2009

What This Reveals:

• Active development of Call of Duty content optimized for Switch 2 hardware
• Technical infrastructure being built specifically for Nintendo platform
• Multi-platform support being integrated into future development pipelines
• Timeline aligns with rumored 2027 Sledgehammer Games Call of Duty release
• Mobile and Switch experience grouped together suggests similar optimization strategies

Warzone as the First Release?

It would make a lot of sense to start the COD transition back to Nintendo by releasing Warzone by itself first.

• Already optimized for mobile devices makes Switch 2 port more feasible
• Free-to-play model ideal for building Nintendo player base quickly
• Live service structure provides ongoing content without additional purchases
• Cross-platform play would connect Nintendo gamers with existing community
• Microsoft specifically mentioned Warzone as best fit for Nintendo hardware

Mutual Benefits

The arrival of Call of Duty on Nintendo Switch 2 creates unprecedented opportunities for both the platform and the franchise, addressing critical needs for each.

Platform Advantages for Nintendo Switch 2:

• Third-Party Evolution: While Switch succeeded without Call of Duty, Switch 2‘s power upgrade shifts player expectations toward AAA support
• Competitive Credibility: Proves Switch 2 can handle demanding multiplayer titles that skipped original hardware
• Expanded Demographics: Attracts core gamers seeking experiences beyond Nintendo’s first-party offerings
• Hardware Sales Impact: Call of Duty’s massive player base represents millions of potential Switch 2 buyers
• Subscription Growth: Nintendo Online membership increases as players need service for multiplayer
• Ecosystem Validation: Establishes precedent for other major FPS franchises on Nintendo platforms

New Market Opportunities for Call of Duty:

• Untapped Player Base: Millions of Nintendo-exclusive gamers gain first access to franchise
• Franchise Revitalization: Black Ops 7 sales reportedly disappointing, Switch 2 release provides boost
• Portable Gaming Appeal: Appeals to players who prioritize gaming on-the-go
• Cross-Platform Growth: Expanded player pools for all multiplayer modes increases engagement

Final Thoughts

The arrival of Call of Duty on Nintendo Switch 2 represents more than just another platform port—it’s a transformative moment for both Nintendo’s ecosystem and the franchise. After 12 years of absence, Nintendo fans will finally be able to experience the world’s most popular first-person shooter franchise on their preferred platform. Microsoft’s binding commitment, combined with Switch 2’s dramatically improved hardware capabilities, has created the perfect conditions for this long-awaited reunion.

For Nintendo, securing Call of Duty validates the Switch 2 as a legitimate platform for cutting-edge AAA experiences, not just first-party exclusives and indie titles. It sends a powerful message to third-party publishers that Nintendo hardware can now support the industry’s most demanding games, potentially opening the floodgates for other major franchises. For Call of Duty, the Nintendo platform offers access to millions of potential new players. At a time when the franchise faces questions about stagnation and declining sales, this expansion could provide the shot in the arm needed to reach new audiences and reinvigorate public interest.

The Sledgehammer Games job listings are just the beginning. As we move toward 2026, expect to see increasing evidence of Call of Duty’s Switch 2 development.