The Nintendo Switch looks to be the perfect handheld console for playing Xbox games on the go via Microsoft’s new Xbox Cloud Gaming technology. Microsoft has already brought cloud-enabled Xbox games to Android devices, Windows PCs and tablets, and iOS devices, but unfortunately for Nintendo Switch owners, the limited beta of Xbox Cloud Gaming on the web currently doesn’t work on the Switch’s web browser.
I tried and failed to get xCloud working on the Nintendo Switch. It’s an unsupported browser and you can’t seem to even click on a game to launch it 😞 pic.twitter.com/Cktbvhaf1e
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) April 20, 2021
Despite Xbox head Phil Spencer teasing Xbox fans earlier this year by displaying a Nintendo Switch on a shelf right behind him during a stream, Nintendo is apparently not interested in allowing Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Switch. David Gibson, a veteran video games industry analyst said on Twitter yesterday that Nintendo had confirmed to him that they would not allow other streaming services on their portable console.
Gibson’s tweet was posted in a reaction to a thread from NPD analyst Mat Piscatella, who had previously explained that “Nintendo would get a massive content gain and sell millions of incremental Switch” by allowing Xbox Cloud Gaming on its handheld consoles. The Switch has been a top-selling console since its 2017 launch, and there’s no doubt that the availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming could make it even more attractive for mobile gamers.
Would make a lot of sense @MatPiscatella , but I have had @Nintendo tell me directly they would not put other streaming services on the Switch. Lost opportunity…… https://t.co/Qbs97Z2Ugn
— David Gibson (@gibbogame) April 21, 2021
For now, the dream of playing Xbox games on the Nintendo Switch will remain just a dream, but things may eventually change once Xbox Game Pass becomes a true juggernaut. Microsoft is on a journey to bring Xbox games to the 3 billion players around the world, and Android, Windows, and iOS devices are probably just the start.
