Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 announces open beta for Nintendo Switch 2

Activision has announced that an open beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first time a mainline Call of Duty title has been playable on a Nintendo console in over a decade. The announcement was made during a recent event, with pre-orders for the Switch 2 version set to go live on August 26, 2026. The open beta is expected to allow players to test the game's performance and features on the new hardware before its full release.

The open beta will affect Nintendo Switch 2 owners, who will have the opportunity to experience Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer modes. This is significant because it expands the Call of Duty player base to a new platform, potentially bringing the franchise to a wider audience. The Switch 2 version is being developed in partnership with Nintendo, ensuring that the game is optimized for the console's capabilities.

According to the announcement, the open beta will coincide with Call of Duty NEXT, an event scheduled for August 2026 that will showcase upcoming features and content for Modern Warfare 4. The game's gameplay debut has already sparked debate within the community regarding the speed of movement in Call of Duty, with some players arguing for a return to slower, more tactical gameplay. Activision has not yet commented on whether the movement system will be adjusted based on feedback.

Background information indicates that Modern Warfare 4 is the latest entry in the long-running Call of Duty series, following the success of Modern Warfare 3. The inclusion of a Nintendo platform is a strategic move by Activision to tap into the large user base of the Switch 2, which is expected to launch in 2026. The open beta will likely provide valuable data on server stability and player engagement ahead of the full release.

Looking ahead, the open beta is expected to run for a limited time, with specific dates to be announced closer to the event. Players who pre-order the game will gain early access to the beta, while others may join during the open period. The full release of Modern Warfare 4 is anticipated later in 2026, with additional details about the campaign and multiplayer modes expected at Call of Duty NEXT.