Microsoft has pushed its Xbox Game Pass onto as many devices as possible, to the point where it seems there are no other platforms to target. However, in a recent interview, the head of Xbox Phil Spencer mentioned how he hasn't counted out the possibility of getting the Xbox Game Pass on rival consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

What Did Phil Spencer Say About the Nintendo Switch?

You can read Phil Spencer's words for yourself over in an interview with GameReactor. The head of Xbox gave some praise to the Switch, saying that he enjoyed the system a lot.

When quizzed about the effectiveness of having games exclusive to a platform, Phil said that there was data to suggest that it worked as a marketing tool, and data to suggest that it didn't. In the long term, however, Phil doesn't like the idea of having a game tied to a single platform.

Phil goes on to say that bringing the Xbox Game Pass to the PC does undermine console sales a little, as people can just play the latest releases on their computer. However, this move does increase the number of people that are "playing on Xbox."

He then says the following:

And when we say 'playing on Xbox' it doesn't mean an Xbox console. It means somebody who is logging in and playing a part of our ecosystem, whether first-party or third-party. And it could be on an Android phone. It could be on a Switch. It could be on a PC. That's how we think about it.

As such, it shows that Microsoft's direction for the next generation of gaming isn't to focus on exclusives to specific consoles.

Microsoft doesn't want to load the Xbox Series X to the brim with exclusives and force people to purchase it. In fact, by the looks of it, the company is totally fine if you never buy one of its consoles.

Microsoft would be content if you just "played on Xbox" in some measure, whether that's downloading games to your PC or using the recently released Project xCloud on Android.

With this in mind, you can see why Phil said that he'd be happy if the Xbox Game Pass arrived on the Switch. It's not about console sales anymore, but the number of players in the Xbox ecosystem.

Will the Xbox Game Pass Ever Arrive on the Nintendo Switch?

We can see that Phil Spencer is willing to forgo forced console sales in exchange for getting people into the Xbox family. This does mean that, if Microsoft could, the company would publish the Xbox Game Pass on the Switch. The question is, would Nintendo allow it?

The first hurdle would be playing Xbox games on the Switch's lower hardware specifications. However, this could be fixed by putting Project xCloud on the Switch. That way, the Switch just has to focus on streaming a video feed, and not rendering amazing graphics on a portable console.

But then, does Nintendo want Microsoft's services on its console? What would Nintendo gain from letting Microsoft use its network infrastructure to stream games? Nintendo would likely want a cut if such a deal occurred.

As such, it seems highly unlikely that Nintendo would allow the Xbox Game Pass on its system. Nintendo probably does not want Microsoft to convert Nintendo's fanbase over to the Xbox ecosystem and reduce the sales of games on the Switch.

However, the two companies have recently enjoyed some partnerships and made the impossible happen. Microsoft-owned characters have made an appearance as DLC characters in Nintendo's hit game Super Smash Bros Ultimate, so who knows what the future holds?

Is Microsoft Switching Up Its Strategy?

In a recent interview, Phil Spencer praised the Switch and hinted that he wouldn't object to bringing the Xbox Game Pass to the console. The chances of it happening seem low, but we'll have to wait and see if anything comes of it.

If you haven't heard of Microsoft's recent quest to bring the Xbox Game Pass to every possible system, you're missing out. For example, did you know the company may release Project xCloud as a USB TV stick?

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