A freeze-frame of Microsoft’s Game Stack Live event has fans buzzing about a new theory that involves a long-awaited collaboration between Xbox and Nintendo. This is not the first time Xbox has teased a Nintendo crossover, and the announcement might be finally inbound. The Game Stack Live event is happening from April 20-21, and it is supposed to dive deeply into all things game dev from Microsoft. With talks, networking opportunities, and a look at new tools and services to empower game developers, the event should be packed with news regarding the future of Microsoft in the gaming industry.
The event is only open to game developers and it begins at 8:00 a.m. PDT on April 20. It seems to be a power move for Microsoft, especially given the recent attention surrounding many of their game-related decisions. The company recently acquired Bethesda and is consistently revealing updates for its Game Pass service. Microsoft has been hitting home runs when it comes to all things gaming and more revelations are sure to come. Previously, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer was caught teasing a bunch of upcoming projects, but there has been no confirmation on any of the supposed theories. One such theory involves a partnership with Hideo Kojima and Nintendo, as eagle-eyed fans spotted a statue of Kojima Productions’ mascot and a Nintendo Switch on Spencer’s shelf.
Now, another alleged hidden message was revealed in a tweet by Tom Warren. In the background of the picture are three shelves. The bottom shelf has an Xbox Series S, the middle has an Xbox Series X, a controller, and a Game Stack hat, and the top shelf has a Nintendo Switch. Theories quickly flooded the Twitter feed, many believing that the Xbox and Switch collaboration was just confirmed.
The Xbox Game Pass continues to add more value with every update. A beta was announced yesterday for the xCloud service to move to Windows 10 PCs and certain Apple devices. Game Pass games can now be played on many different systems, including Android phones and tablets, and fans speculate that the library will eventually make it onto the Nintendo Switch. The Switch hiding in plain sight during the Game Stack event could be the indication fans have been waiting for.
The Game Stack event has plenty of goodies to offer attendees, such as deep technical dives and demonstration of new tools and middleware, according to the Microsoft Game Stack Twitter. Still, Xbox fans and Game Pass subscribers are excited at what could be a solved mystery. Microsoft wouldn’t do anything on accident and shoving a Nintendo Switch on a shelf for Game Stack attendees to see was probably intentional. The reason, though, has yet to be confirmed.
Source: Tom Warren