The rumored growing friendship between Microsoft and Nintendo seems to have not been as fruitful as people expected, as Xbox boss Phil Spencer has confirmed that Xbox Game Pass won't be coming to Switch or PlayStation platforms in the future. Xbox Game Pass might be the best deal in gaming, as it gives instant access to a library of quality games, including first-party Xbox Game Studios titles, all for a single subscription fee.
It might seem strange to consider that Microsoft would bring Xbox Game Pass to other platforms, but there were serious rumors discussing that very topic last year. There were rumors stating that Xbox Game Pass and Ori and the Blind Forest were coming to Switch. The latter part of that rumor turned out to be true, as Ori and the Blind Forest was released for the Switch on September 27, 2019, but Xbox Game Pass never came to the system.
The rumors of Xbox Game Pass coming to Switch have officially been put to rest by Xbox boss Phil Spencer in a recent interview with GameStar. Spencer was asked about the possibility of bringing Xbox Game Pass to Nintendo Switch or PlayStation platforms, and he outlined his reasons for why they wouldn't be a good fit for the service, explaining:
"The only change I would make about choice is… I would say it’s about players making choices, gamers making choices, because it really is not just an offering choices for choices sake, but rather offering gamers the ability to choose how they want to experience our platform and our games. The thing about other gaming console platforms is we’re not able to bring a full Xbox experience on those platforms."
It was clear that Microsoft and Nintendo were becoming closer in 2019, likely as a response to the growing dominance of Sony and its PlayStation 4 in the marketplace, but Xbox Game Pass on Switch might be a step too far. Microsoft might be willing to let Banjo and Kazooie come to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but bringing one of their best services to a competitor's platform is seemingly where the line is drawn.
Xbox Game Pass is due to become even more attractive in the coming months. as Project xCloud will be free for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to use. The Xbox Game Pass service is also due to receive Xbox Series X games in the future. If Microsoft made Xbox Game Pass available on other systems like the Nintendo Switch, then it would dilute the need to purchase Xbox platforms in the future, as gamers would have access to the key first-party titles and third-party exclusives through the service, especially if they have the necessary internet speed to use Project xCloud. It's disappointing to hear that Xbox Game Pass won't be available on other systems, but it makes a lot of business sense from Microsoft's point of view.
The Xbox Series X is due to be released during the 2020 holiday season.
Source: GameStar