Call of Duty is officially back on Nintendo.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2026, bringing one of gaming’s biggest franchises to Nintendo’s new console.
Even better, Switch 2 owners won’t have to wait until October to try it.
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta begins August 28, giving Nintendo players their first chance to see how Call of Duty performs on Switch 2.
Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Comes to Switch 2
Activision has confirmed that the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 from August 28 at 10:00 a.m. PT until September 1 at 10:00 a.m. PT.
The beta is free and does not require a Modern Warfare 4 pre-order or beta code.
Players can preload it now through the Nintendo eShop.
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for the multiplayer portion of the beta.
The Switch 2 beta includes more than just standard multiplayer. Players will be able to try multiplayer maps, weapons and modes, along with the “Entrenched” campaign mission and Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence on the new Zodiac map.
Call of Duty Is Finally Back on Nintendo
Modern Warfare 4 marks a major return for Call of Duty on Nintendo hardware.
Nintendo players have gone more than a decade without a new mainline Call of Duty release.
That makes Modern Warfare 4 an important test for Switch 2.
The original Switch was enormously successful, but its hardware made ports of demanding current-generation games difficult. Switch 2 gives publishers significantly more room to bring major multiplatform releases to Nintendo players.
Call of Duty joining the system is one of the biggest examples yet.
Switch 2 Gets Some Unique Control Options
Activision isn’t simply releasing the game on Switch 2 and calling it a day.
The Switch 2 version supports several platform-specific and portable features, including:
- Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
- Gyro controls
- Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
- HDR
- Handheld play
- Cross-play
- Cross-progression
Joy-Con 2 mouse support could be particularly interesting for Call of Duty players.
It gives Switch 2 owners another control option alongside traditional controller aiming and gyro controls.
Cross-play also means Nintendo players won’t be separated from the larger Call of Duty community.
How Will Modern Warfare 4 Perform on Switch 2?
That’s the big question.
Modern Warfare 4 is launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC alongside Nintendo Switch 2.
Getting the game running well on Nintendo’s hardware will therefore be important.
The good news is that this isn’t simply an older Call of Duty being brought over years later.
Infinity Ward is leading development of Modern Warfare 4, while Digital Legends is working with the studio to develop the Nintendo Switch 2 version natively for the platform.
The upcoming beta should give players a much better idea of what to expect from performance, visuals, controls and handheld gameplay.
What’s Included in Modern Warfare 4?
Modern Warfare 4 takes the series to the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea launches a full-scale invasion.
The campaign follows a squad of South Korean soldiers fighting on the front lines while Captain Price conducts his own mission elsewhere.
Locations include Korea, New York, Paris and Mumbai.
Alongside the campaign, players can expect the traditional Call of Duty multiplayer experience and a new DMZ extraction experience.
When Does Modern Warfare 4 Release on Nintendo Switch 2?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23, 2026.
The confirmed platforms are:
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
Digital pre-orders for the Switch 2 version are available now.
Players who digitally pre-order can also access the full campaign beginning October 16, one week before the worldwide launch.
This Could Be a Big Moment for Switch 2
Call of Duty coming to Nintendo Switch 2 matters beyond a single game.
Nintendo has traditionally had a very different third-party lineup from PlayStation, Xbox and PC. If Switch 2 can handle games such as Modern Warfare 4 while still offering portable play, it could become a much stronger option for multiplatform gamers.
The Open Beta will be the first major test.
Switch 2 owners can jump in starting August 28 and find out for themselves.
Are you planning to play Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2, or would you rather play it on PlayStation, Xbox or PC?
