Can You Play FPS Games on a Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has become a versatile gaming platform, offering a wide range of games, from sports to role-playing. One genre that particularly stands out is First-Person Shooters (FPS), with titles like Doom, Quake, and Splatoon being immensely popular. However, the platform's FPS game selection is somewhat limited compared to other gaming systems. Let's explore whether popular FPS games like Call of Duty, Halo, and Modern Warfare can be played on the Nintendo Switch and what could be missing.
Current FPS Selection on Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch currently supports a few first-person shooter games. Splatoon 2, developed by Nintendo, is a standout title, offering colorful battles and vibrant gameplay. Doom Eternal and The Surge are also available, catering to players who enjoy more traditional FPS experiences. Additionally, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Warframe have brought numerous hours of engaging gameplay to the console. What's intriguing is the absence of Call of Duty, Halo, and Modern Warfare, which are popular among FPS enthusiasts.
What's Missing: Rights and Licensing
The primary reason for the lack of the aforementioned popular FPS titles on the Nintendo Switch is likely due to rights and licensing issues. Call of Duty, Halo, and Modern Warfare are owned by different entities, primarily Activision Blizzard and 343 Industries. These companies often have exclusive deals with specific gaming platforms, which can limit their availability on others.
In the case of Halo, it is currently owned by Microsoft, which primarily focuses its efforts on its own Xbox line of consoles (and presumably the upcoming Microsoft gaming brand). This ownership and focus may explain why these titles are not available on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, PlayStation may also face similar restrictions, as Activision is well-known for exclusive content on the PlayStation platform.
Nintendo’s Missed Opportunities
Given the absence of popular FPS titles, the Nintendo Switch offer a unique opportunity for developers to bring their games to the platform. Such exclusives could attract a broader audience and further enhance the console's appeal. However, due to licensing and contractual agreements, some games might not be as readily available as others.
To improve its FPS offerings, Nintendo could explore licensing deals with developers or platforms for exclusive releases. Additionally, developing its own FPS titles, as seen with Doom Eternal and Warframe, could also be a strategic move to attract FPS enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch offers an impressive range of gaming options, with its FPS selection currently incomplete. While it supports several popular and high-quality shooters, titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Modern Warfare are notably missing. This gap is primarily due to rights and licensing issues. However, with the right strategic moves, Nintendo can bridge this gap and further enhance its gaming library, making the Switch an even more attractive platform for FPS gamers.