Players on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console will have the opportunity to experience Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 through a free beta this weekend. The beta's second weekend is set to commence on Friday, August 28, at 10 AM PDT, offering participants a chance to sample content from the game's campaign, multiplayer modes, and the battle royale experience, Warzone.
This iteration of Call of Duty on a Nintendo platform will feature unique functionalities tailored for the Switch 2, including gyro controls and Joy-Con mouse support, alongside the convenience of handheld play. During the beta period, Switch 2 players will also receive complimentary access to the game's Vault Edition content, which includes exclusive skins and weapon blueprints.
The development of the Switch 2 version is being handled by Digital Legends, a studio that previously contributed to Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile and provided support for recent Black Ops titles. This marks the first time a Call of Duty title has appeared on a Nintendo console since Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U, fulfilling a long-standing desire among Nintendo fans for the franchise's return.
Xavier Carrillo-Costa, studio head at Digital Legends, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Infinity Ward. "For the first time in more than a decade, Call of Duty is back on a Nintendo platform, and we’re incredibly proud that Digital Legends has partnered with Infinity Ward to make it happen with Modern Warfare 4," Carrillo-Costa stated. "Our goal has been simple from day one: deliver the genuine Call of Duty experience on Nintendo Switch 2. Players can enjoy the full intensity, authenticity, and quality of Modern Warfare 4 wherever they are, whether at home or on the move."
This release follows a legally binding agreement signed in 2023 between Microsoft and Nintendo, ensuring that Call of Duty games will be available on Nintendo platforms for ten years with full feature parity. This commitment implies that Call of Duty titles on the Switch 2 will not feature missing content or significant compromises compared to other platforms. The availability of the beta signals increasing support for the Switch 2 from major third-party franchises.