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- After skipping the entire Switch generation, the legendary shooter is returning to Nintendo hardware with an open beta that could reveal just how capable the Switch 2 really is.
- It does leave one question hanging in the air, though.
- This beta isn't just about trying a new game early.
After skipping the entire Switch generation, the legendary shooter is returning to Nintendo hardware with an open beta that could reveal just how capable the Switch 2 really is.
Call of Duty is making its long-awaited return to Nintendo, and this time players won't have to wait until launch day to see what it's like. According to the sources, the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 open beta will be available on the Switch 2, giving Nintendo fans their first hands-on experience with the series in more than a decade.
That alone makes this beta a pretty big deal. The franchise disappeared from Nintendo platforms after the Wii U era, completely skipping the original Switch despite its massive success. Now, with the arrival of the Switch 2, that drought is finally coming to an end. The beta will roll out in two stages.
Players who pre-order the game can jump into early access from August 21 to August 25, but that early window is only available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. At first glance, it looked like Nintendo players were being left out once again.
Fortunately, that's not the case.
The open beta begins on August 28 and runs until September 1, and this is where Switch 2 joins the party. Nintendo players will be able to download and play the beta for free alongside everyone else. Since Switch 2 pre-orders are expected to open on August 26, the schedule lines up neatly for players eager to test the game before release.
It does leave one question hanging in the air, though.
Why isn't Switch 2 included in the early access period? According to the sources, no official reason has been shared. This may be down to the console’s pre-order window, or there may be some technical explanation behind the decision. Either way, Switch owners won't have to wait long before they can jump into the action.
The biggest uncertainty, of course, isn’t the release timeline, but how the game will really perform. Fast-paced multiplayer shooters require consistent online performance, responsive controls and stable frame rates. Will the Switch 2 be able to keep up with PlayStation, Xbox and PC when it gets hectic? That's the question many fans are eager to have answered.
The beta should also give players a chance to test some of the Switch 2's unique features. The console supports mouse-style controls and includes a built-in microphone, offering a few options that could make multiplayer feel a little different from previous Nintendo systems. Cross-play support is also expected, meaning Switch 2 players will be sharing matches with gamers across other platforms.
If everything goes well, this could be the start of something much bigger. Call of Duty is expected to become a yearly release on Switch 2, putting Nintendo back alongside PlayStation, Xbox, and PC whenever a new entry arrives. For longtime Nintendo fans, that's a welcome change after years of watching each new Call of Duty launch from the sidelines.
This beta isn't just about trying a new game early.
It's also the first real test of what the Switch 2 can handle when it comes to one of the biggest multiplayer franchises in gaming. A smooth showing could build confidence in the console's future, while any technical issues will almost certainly become the focus of community discussions.
One thing is certain: Nintendo players finally have a seat at the table again. Now all that's left is to see whether the Switch 2 can deliver the Call of Duty experience fans have been waiting years to play. Will this mark the beginning of a new era for the franchise on Nintendo, or is there still work to be done before it truly feels at home?
