It is no mystery that Sony has been the top-dog in the console gaming world with their PlayStation 4; it is the most sold console of the generation. However, one contender that has been turning heads since its monumental, record-breaking launch is the Nintendo Switch, a true handheld-television hybrid of a machine that may not be the most technically powerful but has steadily gotten more popular due to the software being launched frequently. Lagging behind considerably is Microsoft and their Xbox One, despite them having the strongest console with true 4K capabilities. The Xbox One X continues to have trouble getting its footing with a lackluster list of new releases. Since the crossplay debacle with Sony denying Fortnite players playing with anyone other than PlayStation users though, Microsoft and Nintendo have seemed to be more friendly with each other and recent news and rumors easily direct one into thinking about the possibility of a team up for the ages.
Note that this is entirely speculation and could be nothing, however, there is enough to suggest that something could be brewing.
First, let’s talk about a timeline and the type of team up we could see. I honestly think that Microsoft and Nintendo could strike a deal that sees their software and services on each other’s systems in a more significant way. This would include services such as Xbox Live and the Xbox Game Pass, meaning that Switch players could attach their accounts in several games. We’ve already seen crossplay between a few titles such as Minecraft and Fortnite and players already log into Minecraft using their Xbox Live account. Users have also found out a way to get the Xbox Adaptive Controller designed for gamers with special needs to work on the Nintendo Switch with a third-party adapter. This is something that Microsoft and Nintendo could probably add with a software update.
On the flipside, this means that Mario and Link could show up on the Xbox One which is something that Xbox’s Phil Spencer was quoted on a couple years back. One of the main complaints of the Nintendo Switch is the lower graphics fidelity when compared to the Xbox One or the PS4. If Nintendo’s biggest games are suddenly playable on the Xbox One, then we could see 4K Hyrule or even a new generation of Super Smash players playing on one of the best gaming servers in the world. Another complaint that I still maintain about the Switch is the Joy-Con controllers and being able to play Mario Kart with an Xbox One controller would be amazing.
Now, due to the recent swirling of rumors pointing to the Xbox Game Pass being playable on Switch, I anticipate that we could see an announcement in the early summer, possibly at E3. It seems a bit on the nose to expect something at E3, but it is the biggest event of the year. I think that Nintendo and Microsoft could make an announcement this summer with the service launching late fall or right before the holiday rush. This would give them a few months to educate average users and unveil any marketing that has been developed. I also believe that if this is actually happening, then a lot of the infrastructure has been worked on for at least the past year or two.
On a more lofty prediction, we could see Xbox Live connect with Switch users with Super Mario Maker 2 at the forefront. The game already looks to be using an interface made for two analog sticks, which could work perfectly on an Xbox. June seems really early though for this kind of major announcement but it’s just the thing that could drive headlines and consumer interest. There are lots of users asking for mouse support for Super Mario Maker 2 and the Xbox already has mouse support on navigation and some apps and games. There are already some third-party accessories that achieve keyboard and mouse on the Switch, but official support would be awesome to see. We could see some details crop up during the upcoming Game Developers Conference as well, which is where Microsoft is reportedly going to share a software kit that will enable developers to incorporate Xbox Live features and connections on Switch titles.
My reasoning for this team up mostly stems from the friendliness in advertisements and social media posts like the crossplay push combined with the business possibilities of the connection. While Sony continued to deny the service to Fortnite players, all other players were enjoying multiplayer bliss by being able to quickly team up with Xbox, Switch, mobile, and PC players with full headset support. Finally, Sony broke and opened up crossplay for Fortnite and recently Rocket League; it appears the PS4 players will continue to get more chances to play with other consoles as well. Although some developers are saying it’s not as simple as what recent interviews point to. During this debate, Microsft and Nintendo made a few jabs at Sony with the most notable one being this and the advertisement video above.
Hey @Xbox, since we can play together in @Minecraft now, did you want to build something? pic.twitter.com/LIylWy3yXZ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 21, 2018
The more I dwell on the idea, the more it makes sense. Xbox Live has always been the most appealing part of the Xbox platform for me and it has thankfully carried from my early Xbox 360 days all the way to the Xbox One. Having that profile useable on all of my devices would be convenient and really appealing, especially if it means I’ll be able to play Gears of War or Cuphead on the Switch or Breath of the Wild or Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze on the Xbox One.
Meanwhile, Sony will be ceasing production of the Vita this year, marking a big hole in their offerings to users. They have seemed to be doing well enough with the PS4 with one smash hit release after another and the PSVR seems to be getting good support, but to stay at the top it seems like they may want to look into more PC or mobile platforms if handhelds are going to be ignored. Personally, I would love to see another portable PlayStation and an upgrade to the PSVR headset, but I think connecting more to mobile phones or PCs is more likely. Services like PlayStation Now have seen some improvements and is available to use on PC, but it still doesn’t have the appeal that it could have.
In summary, this is an idea that I just cannot stop thinking about that could have some huge ramifications in the industry. This is also on the hopeful side, meaning we could just see more and more Xbox Live connections for crossplay specifically and not much else. Regardless, it’s fun to think about.
Find us on social media for further discussion.
