The return of Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms is inching closer—but not without a few complications. Despite Black Ops 7 being officially announced at the Xbox Games Showcase for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, Nintendo fans were quick to notice one glaring omission: there was no mention of the Switch or Switch 2.
Activision: “We’re Committed to Switch”
Activision has officially stated that it is actively working to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms. While the company has not confirmed whether Black Ops 7 will launch on the Switch 2, it did affirm that “both teams are working on it” and details will be shared when ready. This aligns with a longer-term promise Microsoft made in 2023—a binding 10-year agreement to bring Call of Duty titles to Nintendo players with full content parity and same-day releases as Xbox.
Why It Was Left Out (For Now)
So why wasn’t the Switch mentioned in the Black Ops 7 reveal? There are a few likely reasons:
- Technical Optimization: Developers are likely still optimizing the game for Switch 2 hardware, which—while much more powerful than its predecessor—is still new and unfamiliar to third-party devs.
- Strategic Timing: Nintendo has yet to hold its own full-scale reveal or Direct showcasing third-party titles for Switch 2. It’s possible Activision is timing its announcement to coincide with that.
- Uncertainty Around Platform Targeting: Black Ops 7 supports last-gen systems, which raises the question—would it launch on Switch, Switch 2, or both? Activision may still be deciding internally.
Microsoft’s Legal Commitment to Nintendo Players
A major point of confidence for fans is the agreement signed during Microsoft’s legal battle with the FTC in 2023. Microsoft committed to bringing Call of Duty to Nintendo consoles for at least 10 years, with the same features and launch timing as Xbox. That contract still stands—and now that Microsoft owns Activision Blizzard, the responsibility to deliver falls squarely on their shoulders.
The History: CoD’s Rocky Past With Nintendo
The last Call of Duty game released on a Nintendo platform was Ghosts for the Wii U in 2013. Since then, the franchise has completely skipped Nintendo systems, largely due to technical limitations. However, with Switch 2 closing the gap between handheld and home console performance, the opportunity is back on the table.
What’s Next: Look to the Next Nintendo Direct
The most likely place for an official announcement will be a Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct this summer. These showcases often highlight third-party support and could finally confirm Black Ops 7 for the platform—potentially with a delayed release window if development takes longer.
TL;DR
- Black Ops 7 is confirmed for major platforms, but not yet for Switch 2.
- Activision says it’s working to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo systems.
- A 10-year deal between Microsoft and Nintendo guarantees CoD support.
- Switch 2’s improved hardware makes a modern CoD port feasible.
- A formal announcement is likely coming in an upcoming Nintendo Direct.
Whether it lands day one or slightly later, Call of Duty’s return to Nintendo looks more like a matter of when, not if.
Best Call of Duty Games of All Time
Call of Duty has become one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Since its debut in 2003, the series has evolved from a World War II shooter to a diverse collection of games spanning different time periods and gameplay styles. With over 20 main titles released, fans often debate which games stand out as the best.
Finding the best Call of Duty games can help you decide which titles are worth your time and money if you’re new to the series. The franchise has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide and has consistently delivered compelling multiplayer experiences along with memorable single-player campaigns. From the revolutionary Modern Warfare to the fan-favorite Black Ops series, each game offers something unique for players to enjoy.
1: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare revolutionized first-person shooters when it launched in 2007. Unlike previous titles in the series, this game moved away from World War II settings to focus on modern combat scenarios.
The campaign follows SAS and USMC forces fighting against terrorists and ultranationalists. You experience intense missions like “All Ghillied Up,” where you sneak through Pripyat as Captain Price. These story moments remain iconic in gaming history.
What truly set COD4 apart was its multiplayer experience. The introduction of the progression system with unlockable weapons, attachments, and perks changed how online shooters worked forever. You could customize loadouts to match your playstyle, making each match feel unique.
The game balanced weapons expertly, ensuring no single setup dominated matches. Many players consider the multiplayer well-balanced, fast, and constantly surprising, keeping you engaged for countless hours.
The killstreak reward system became a franchise staple. Getting three consecutive kills earned you a UAV, while more impressive streaks unlocked airstrikes and helicopter support. This system rewarded skilled play without making matches one-sided.
COD4’s influence extends beyond its own success. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Call of Duty games due to its tight gameplay, memorable campaign, and revolutionary multiplayer. The game’s innovations created a blueprint that shooters follow to this day.
2: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Modern Warfare 2 stands as one of the most iconic entries in the Call of Duty franchise. Released in 2009, this game took everything that made the original Modern Warfare great and amplified it to new heights.
The campaign follows a gripping storyline that wasn’t afraid to shock players. Remember the controversial “No Russian” mission? It pushed boundaries and created genuine water-cooler moments that had everyone talking.
You’ll find the single-player experience particularly memorable for its “little personal war stories” that made each character’s journey compelling. The gunplay felt weighty and impactful while the weapons were both historically interesting and satisfying to use.
Many fans consider Modern Warfare 2 to be the best multiplayer shooter ever made. The multiplayer suite introduced game-changing features including customizable killstreaks and the wildly popular Special Ops mode.
The map design deserves special mention. Maps like Rust, Terminal, and Highrise have become legendary in gaming culture. Each offered unique playstyles and strategies that kept you coming back for more.
Even by today’s standards, MW2 holds up remarkably well. It consistently ranks among the top Call of Duty games of all time, often claiming the #1 spot on many lists.
If you missed this gem back in 2009, it’s worth experiencing what many consider the peak of the franchise.
3: Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Call of Duty: Black Ops took players deep into the shadowy world of Cold War espionage. This 2010 release marked Treyarch’s triumphant follow-up to World at War and quickly became a fan favorite, ranking high among the best Call of Duty games.
The campaign follows CIA operative Alex Mason through a series of flashbacks and interrogations. You experience missions spanning from attempted assassinations in Cuba to intense jungle warfare in Vietnam. The story delivers unexpected twists and one of the most memorable narratives in the franchise.
Multiplayer in Black Ops introduced several innovations that changed the series forever. The Contract system and COD Points currency gave you new ways to unlock content beyond just leveling up. Popular maps like Nuketown and Firing Range became instant classics that would return in future titles.
Zombies mode reached new heights with Black Ops. The mode expanded significantly from its World at War origins, featuring celebrity voice actors and more complex Easter eggs. Many fans consider it to have some of the best Zombies experiences in the entire series.
The game’s gritty atmosphere and paranoia-fueled story perfectly captured the Cold War era. You could feel the tension in every environment, from snow-covered Russian facilities to sweltering Vietnamese jungles.
Black Ops stands as one of the most complete Call of Duty packages ever created. Its balanced multiplayer and iconic campaign continue to influence the franchise today, more than a decade after its release.
4: Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Call of Duty: World at War took you back to World War II after Modern Warfare’s contemporary setting. This gritty entry stands as one of the greatest WW2 games in the franchise’s history. Its dark, brutal portrayal of the Pacific and Eastern fronts delivered an experience unlike previous WWII shooters.
The campaign splits between two soldiers’ perspectives. You’ll fight as Private Miller against Japanese forces in the Pacific and as Private Petrenko in the Soviet push toward Berlin. These dual narratives provide a more complete view of the war than many other games in the genre.
World at War introduced zombies mode to Call of Duty, a feature that would become a franchise staple. This cooperative mode let you and friends fight endless waves of Nazi zombies, adding significant replay value beyond the campaign and multiplayer.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 1.41 million units in the United States during its release month alone. Its popularity continued well beyond launch with strong DLC support.
Many fans consider World at War among the best Call of Duty games ever made. The tight controls, intense action, and unflinching look at war’s horrors created a memorable experience. The game moves quickly, making for challenging but rewarding gameplay.
World at War’s multiplayer features vehicle combat in select maps, adding another tactical layer to matches. You can operate tanks to dominate the battlefield while other players must adapt strategies to counter these powerful vehicles.
5: Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone brought a fresh approach to the franchise by diving into the battle royale genre. Released in 2020, this free-to-play title quickly gathered a massive player base and continues to evolve with regular seasonal updates.
What makes Warzone stand out is its accessibility. You don’t need to purchase the main Call of Duty games to enjoy this action-packed experience. This open approach helped it reach players who might not typically invest in the series.
The game shines with its innovative mechanics. The Gulag gives you a second chance at victory through a 1v1 fight after being eliminated. This unique feature adds tension and hope even after an early defeat.
Warzone’s map evolution keeps gameplay interesting. From the original Verdansk to newer locations like Urzikstan and Area 99, the environments continue to challenge veterans and newcomers alike.
Load-out drops allow you to customize your weapons and perks, bringing strategy beyond just finding random gear. This system rewards both planning and adaptability in the heat of battle.
The cross-play functionality lets you team up with friends regardless of platform. This community-building approach has strengthened the game’s staying power in a competitive genre.
Quality of life improvements, like challenge tracking and HUD presets, show the developers’ commitment to player feedback. These small but important updates help maintain the game’s popularity years after release.
6: Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II stands as one of the most innovative entries in the franchise. Released in 2012, this game took a bold step by introducing a near-future setting with advanced weaponry and technology.
The campaign truly shines with its branching storyline where your choices actually matter. For the first time, you could influence the outcome of the plot through your decisions and actions during missions. This made replaying the campaign worthwhile.
Black Ops II’s multiplayer is often considered the best in the series. The “Pick 10” system revolutionized class customization, giving you unprecedented freedom to create loadouts that matched your playstyle perfectly.
The game also introduced “Strike Force” missions, a series of optional objectives that combined first-person shooting with real-time strategy elements. These missions added variety to the gameplay experience.
Zombies mode returned with even more depth and complexity. You could now build various items to help survive the undead hordes, adding a layer of strategy beyond just shooting.
Black Ops II also delivered one of the most memorable villains in Call of Duty history: Raul Menendez. His complex backstory and motivations made him more than just a typical antagonist.
The game’s soundtrack deserves special mention too. Composed by Jack Wall with a theme by Trent Reznor, the music perfectly complements both the futuristic and historical segments of the game.
7: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) brought the franchise back to its roots with a gritty reboot of the beloved series. The game served as a fresh restart, giving you a modern combat experience with realistic graphics and immersive gameplay.
The single-player campaign tells a darker, more mature story about modern warfare. You follow Captain Price and new characters like Alex and Farah through tense missions that blur the lines between right and wrong in combat.
The attention to detail in animations and audio stands out compared to other titles. Even years after release, the game’s technical quality remains impressive, with realistic weapon handling and environmental details that draw you into the action.
Multiplayer introduced the Gunsmith system, letting you customize weapons with unprecedented depth. The game also brought a more tactical approach to matches with slower movement and strategic map design.
Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale mode, launched with this title and became a massive success. You can drop into Verdansk with 149 other players in an intense fight for survival that changed the Call of Duty formula forever.
Despite being released in 2019, Modern Warfare still holds up against newer entries. Its combination of storytelling, multiplayer innovation, and technical excellence earned it a worthy spot among the franchise’s best titles.
8: Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
Call of Duty: Black Ops III stands out as one of the best COD titles in the franchise’s history. Released in 2015, this futuristic shooter took the series in a bold direction that many players embraced.
The multiplayer experience in Black Ops III is where the game truly shines. You’ll find the exo movement system to be remarkably refined and controlled, giving you unprecedented mobility on the battlefield. The specialists system adds another layer of strategy to each match.
Treyarch’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the game. From the well-designed maps to the balanced weaponry, you’ll discover a multiplayer experience that remains engaging even years after release.
The campaign mode also deserves recognition. Set in a dark, twisted future, it offers one of the best solo experiences in recent Call of Duty history. You can play through the entire story in four-player co-op, a first for the series.
Zombies mode returns with even more depth and bizarre storylines. The customization options throughout the game are extensive, allowing you to tailor your playstyle exactly as you want.
Black Ops III earned its place among the franchise’s elite by successfully balancing innovation with the core Call of Duty formula. Critics and fans alike praised it as a standout installment that helped elevate the entire series.
9: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare brought significant innovation to the franchise with its futuristic setting and exo-suit mechanics. Released in 2014, this title marked a bold step forward for the series, introducing movement abilities like boost jumps and dashes that changed how you navigated multiplayer maps.
The campaign features one of the most memorable performances in COD history with Kevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons, the power-hungry CEO of Atlas Corporation. His motion-captured performance added a new level of cinematic quality to the storytelling that many players applauded.
Advanced Warfare’s single-player experience stands as one of the best campaigns since Black Ops II. The futuristic gadgets and weapons feel satisfying to use, while the plot delivers enough twists to keep you engaged throughout.
The multiplayer introduced the Supply Drop system, which received mixed reactions from the community. However, the core gameplay with its enhanced mobility created fresh tactical opportunities you wouldn’t find in previous COD titles.
Visually, Advanced Warfare represented a significant leap forward with detailed character models and environments. The game was developed by Sledgehammer Games, marking their first solo development effort for the Call of Duty franchise.
Many consider Advanced Warfare a transitional game for the series, as it introduced new ideas that would influence future titles while maintaining the core COD experience you’ve come to expect.
10: Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Call of Duty: Ghosts marked Infinity Ward’s first post-Modern Warfare 3 release. Released in 2013, it arrived during the transition between console generations, launching on both the PS3/Xbox 360 and the PS4/Xbox One.
Ghosts introduced several new features to the franchise. You might remember the addition of Extinction mode, which offered a unique aliens-focused alternative to the traditional zombies format.
The multiplayer in Ghosts received mixed reactions from the community. While some criticized the maps for being too large, many players appreciated the smooth gameplay and extensive perk system. The game allowed for unprecedented character customization options.
The campaign followed the story of the Ghosts, an elite special operations unit. You played as Logan Walker, fighting alongside your brother and father against the Federation, a hostile South American alliance.
Technically, the game was impressive for its time. The next-gen engine delivered solid performance while maintaining the series’ signature 60 frames-per-second gameplay across all platforms.
Despite its innovations, Ghosts remains one of the more divisive entries in the Call of Duty series. As the tenth major installment in the franchise, it tried to break new ground but struggled to match the popularity of earlier titles.
Evolution of Call of Duty
The Call of Duty franchise has transformed dramatically since its debut in 2003. This evolution spans both technical capabilities and storytelling depth, creating increasingly immersive military experiences for players.
Technological Advancements
Call of Duty’s technical evolution has been remarkable across its two-decade history. Early titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare established the foundation with groundbreaking graphics for their time.
As console generations advanced, so did the games. You could notice significant jumps in visual fidelity between the Xbox 360/PS3 era and the current generation systems. Lighting effects, character models, and environmental destruction became increasingly realistic.
The evolution of Call of Duty includes major engine upgrades. Modern entries feature photorealistic graphics, advanced physics, and detailed weapon handling systems that weren’t possible in earlier games.
Audio design similarly transformed, with spatial audio and authentic weapon sounds enhancing immersion. Loading times decreased while world sizes expanded dramatically.
Narrative and Storytelling Development
Call of Duty’s storytelling has matured substantially since its World War II origins. Early games presented straightforward military narratives, while modern entries tackle complex geopolitical themes.
The original Modern Warfare trilogy revolutionized storytelling with memorable characters like Captain Price and controversial moments such as the infamous “No Russian” mission.
You can see how later titles like Advanced Warfare introduced Hollywood actors, with Kevin Spacey’s performance marking a turning point for cinematic storytelling in the franchise.
Recent entries blend real-world conflicts with fictional narratives. The storytelling has become more nuanced, exploring the moral ambiguity of modern warfare rather than simple good-versus-evil narratives.
Campaign missions now feature more player choice and branching storylines, moving away from the linear experiences of earlier games.
Impact on Gaming Culture
Call of Duty has transformed the gaming landscape far beyond its impressive sales figures. The franchise has reshaped how players interact with first-person shooters and influenced broader entertainment culture.
Influence on Competitive Gaming
Call of Duty revolutionized competitive gaming by introducing accessible yet skill-based multiplayer modes. The franchise popularized progression systems that reward continued play, creating a model many games now follow.
Professional tournaments like the Call of Duty League have turned gaming into legitimate entertainment, with prize pools reaching millions of dollars. You might have noticed how these events now fill arenas and attract major sponsorships.
The series established competitive standards that define modern esports broadcasting. Features like killcams, spectator modes, and integrated streaming tools have become industry standards.
Key Competitive Contributions:
- Accessible ranking systems
- Professionally organized tournaments
- Standardized competitive rulesets
- Career paths for professional players
Community and Fan Engagement
Call of Duty has transcended gaming to become a cultural phenomenon that influences even non-gamers. The annual release cycle creates consistent community events where players gather to discuss changes and improvements.
You’ll find vibrant communities across social platforms sharing strategies, memes, and gameplay clips. Content creators have built entire careers around Call of Duty gameplay, reviews, and commentary.
The franchise maintains relevance through constant innovation and cultural significance. Popular modes like Warzone brought fresh interest by embracing battle royale trends while maintaining the familiar COD feel.
Fan conventions and in-game events foster continued engagement, creating spaces where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts and developers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call of Duty fans often have specific questions about which games excel in particular areas. These questions cover everything from storytelling quality to hardware requirements.
Which Call of Duty games have the best campaigns?
The Call of Duty series features several standout campaign experiences. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare offers one of the most compelling storylines in the franchise with iconic missions like “All Ghillied Up.”
Call of Duty: Black Ops delivers an exceptional Cold War narrative with mind-bending twists and memorable characters. The story follows protagonist Alex Mason through various covert operations.
Most fans agree you should avoid campaigns from Ghosts, Black Ops 3, Advanced Warfare, and Infinite Warfare if you’re looking for the best storytelling experiences.
What are the top-rated Call of Duty games on PS4?
Modern Warfare (2019) stands as one of the highest-rated Call of Duty titles on PS4, praised for its realistic graphics and engaging gameplay mechanics.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, despite lacking a traditional campaign, received positive reviews for its multiplayer and Blackout battle royale mode.
Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered also performs exceptionally well on PS4, offering enhanced visuals while preserving the beloved storyline.
Which is the most played Call of Duty game to date?
Call of Duty: Warzone has amassed the largest player base in franchise history with over 100 million registered players since its 2020 launch.
The free-to-play battle royale format attracted both veteran Call of Duty players and newcomers to the franchise, creating unprecedented popularity.
Mobile gaming has also expanded the series reach, with Call of Duty: Mobile drawing massive player numbers across global markets.
In what chronological order should the Call of Duty series be played?
For the Modern Warfare storyline, play COD4: Modern Warfare (2007), followed by Modern Warfare 2 (2009), and Modern Warfare 3 (2011).
The Black Ops timeline runs from World at War (2008), Black Ops (2010), Black Ops 2 (2012), and then Black Ops Cold War (2020).
The rebooted Modern Warfare series begins with Modern Warfare (2019) and continues with Modern Warfare II (2022), establishing a separate timeline.
Which Call of Duty titles are best suited for low-end PCs?
Older titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and World at War run well on modest hardware with low system requirements.
Call of Duty 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered offer optimized performance for lower-end systems while still delivering engaging gameplay.
You can also consider Call of Duty: Mobile on emulators for PC if your hardware can’t handle the mainline games.
How are the Call of Duty games ranked in terms of multiplayer experience?
Black Ops 2 is widely considered the best overall multiplayer experience with perfectly balanced maps, weapons, and the introduction of the Pick 10 system.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare revolutionized online multiplayer with its progression system and remains a benchmark for the series.
Modern Warfare (2019) revitalized the multiplayer formula with Gunfight mode, realistic weapon handling, and cross-platform play capabilities.
