Call of Duty has been one of the biggest missing pieces for Nintendo’s Switch 2 lineup, especially for players who want a handheld that can keep up with major shooters. While the new system has improved third-party support and stronger hardware, the lack of a blockbuster franchise like Call of Duty has left some gamers unconvinced that Switch 2 is a must-buy just yet. Now, a fresh leak suggests that could change in 2026, with Activision potentially preparing a Call of Duty release for Nintendo’s latest handheld.
The new chatter comes via a report shared by Jez Corden of Windows Central, who indicated that a Switch 2 Call of Duty game is expected in 2026. The big question is what form that release will take. Some fans are hoping for a full mainline entry such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, while others believe a more realistic first step may be a Switch-focused version based on Call of Duty Mobile.
Why Call of Duty hasn’t arrived on Switch 2 yet
Many players have wondered why recent Call of Duty release plans didn’t mention Switch 2 at all. According to Corden, one major reason may have been access to development kits. The claim is that Nintendo initially limited which studios received Switch 2 dev kits, slowing down work for some publishers and teams that weren’t in the earliest wave.
That’s notable because Microsoft previously signed an agreement committing to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms. With that promise on record, the extended silence has felt unusual to fans. Still, Corden also suggested that the first Call of Duty version for Switch is close to completion, though he later emphasized that 2026 is the safer timeframe to expect a Switch 2 release.
Could Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 run on Switch 2?
A potential Black Ops 7 port is one of the more exciting possibilities. The Switch 2’s upgraded capabilities, including support for modern upscaling features like DLSS, have already made it a more realistic home for demanding third-party games. And because the latest Treyarch-era releases have also targeted older consoles like PS4 and Xbox One, many fans see that as a sign that acceptable performance on Switch 2 could be achievable with the right optimization.
That said, a full mainline Call of Duty on a handheld still raises questions: download sizes, always-online requirements, cross-play parity, and how the game would be tuned for portable play. Those details will matter just as much as whether the port exists.
A Call of Duty Mobile-style port may be the most likely first move
Another scenario is that Activision brings a Call of Duty experience inspired by Call of Duty Mobile, which could be a smoother transition for Switch 2. Mobile has remained a strong performer, and a Switch version based on that foundation could help Activision deliver the franchise on Nintendo hardware sooner while avoiding the heavier technical demands of a full premium release.
Fueling that theory is a recent job listing from Sledgehammer Games seeking a Senior Technical Artist with experience in AAA mobile or Switch development. While job listings don’t confirm a specific product, the combination of mobile and Switch experience stands out, especially given Sledgehammer’s history contributing to major Call of Duty projects.
When an announcement could happen
Activision reiterated in June 2025 that Call of Duty titles are still planned for Nintendo’s handheld. If major technical hurdles have been resolved and a launch window is coming into focus, January’s Xbox Developer Direct could be a logical stage for a formal reveal.
For now, the leak points to 2026 as the most realistic window for Call of Duty on Switch 2—whether that ends up being a full-scale Black Ops-style release, a mobile-inspired version built for handheld play, or something in between.
Separately, the post also includes a report of the death of Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella at age 55.
