Can Nintendo Switch and Xbox One Play Together? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! The Nintendo Switch and Xbox One can indeed play together, but with a few crucial caveats. The ability to engage in cross-play, also known as cross-platform play, depends entirely on whether the specific game you want to play supports this feature. It’s not a universal capability baked into the consoles themselves, but rather a decision made by the game developers. Let’s delve into the details of how this works, which games support cross-play, and address some frequently asked questions.
Understanding Cross-Play
Cross-play is a fantastic feature that breaks down the walls between gaming ecosystems. Imagine being able to team up with your friend who owns an Xbox while you’re playing on your Switch. That’s the power of cross-play! However, it’s essential to understand the intricacies.
The Game is Key
As mentioned earlier, the game itself must be designed with cross-play functionality. This means the developers have built in the necessary infrastructure to allow players on different platforms to connect and play together. Some games embrace this wholeheartedly, while others remain exclusive to their respective console ecosystems.
Microsoft’s Openness
Microsoft has been a strong advocate for cross-play, actively encouraging developers to implement it in their games. This openness has resulted in a larger number of Xbox titles supporting cross-play with other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo’s Gradual Adoption
Nintendo initially was more reserved in its approach to cross-play. However, they have progressively embraced it, allowing several popular titles on the Switch to connect with other platforms.
Finding Cross-Play Supported Games
The easiest way to determine if a game supports cross-play between the Switch and Xbox is to check the game’s official website, the game’s store page on the Nintendo eShop or Microsoft Store, or consult online resources that compile lists of cross-play compatible games. The community at Games Learning Society is a good resource to learn more about games and how they connect people.
Popular Cross-Play Titles
Several well-known games currently support cross-play between the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Here are a few examples:
- Minecraft: This sandbox phenomenon allows players on Switch, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices to build and explore together, provided they are using a Microsoft account.
- Fortnite: The battle royale sensation is a prime example of successful cross-play. You can squad up with friends on almost any platform.
- Rocket League: This soccer-with-cars game is a fast-paced and fun experience that is fully cross-platform.
- Call of Duty (select titles): With Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard, select Call of Duty games may be available on the Nintendo Switch and support cross-play functionality.
Setting Up Cross-Play
The process of setting up cross-play varies from game to game, but some general steps apply:
- Ensure Cross-Play is Enabled in Settings: Most games with cross-play have an option in their settings menu to enable or disable the feature.
- Add Friends Using Game-Specific Accounts: Often, you’ll need to add friends using their in-game username or account ID, rather than their Xbox Gamertag or Nintendo Network ID. For example, Minecraft relies on Microsoft accounts.
- Join the Same Server or Match: Make sure you and your friends are trying to join the same server or game mode.
Important Considerations
- Account Linking: Some games might require you to link your Nintendo Account or Xbox Live account to a third-party account to enable cross-play.
- Voice Chat: Voice chat functionality can be tricky across platforms. Games might use their own built-in voice chat systems, or you might need to use a third-party app like Discord.
- Game Updates: Ensure both consoles have the latest game updates installed to maintain compatibility.
FAQs About Nintendo Switch and Xbox One Cross-Play
Here are some frequently asked questions about cross-play between Nintendo Switch and Xbox One:
Can I add my Xbox friends directly to my Nintendo Switch friend list (or vice versa)?
No, the Nintendo Switch and Xbox have different types of friend’s lists, so you won’t be able to add his Nintendo account on Xbox and vice versa. If he has a Microsoft account for games like Minecraft, then he should have a gamertag associated with that and you can add that.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play cross-play games?
For most online games on Nintendo Switch, including those with cross-play, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, some free-to-play games like Fortnite may not require a subscription.
Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play cross-play games?
While Xbox Live Gold was previously required for online play, Microsoft has removed this requirement for free-to-play games. So, if you’re playing a free-to-play game with cross-play, you don’t need Xbox Live Gold. However, it is still required for most paid games.
Can I use my Xbox controller on my Nintendo Switch to play cross-play games?
Yes, it is possible to use an Xbox controller on your Nintendo Switch, but you need an adaptor. You also need a Bluetooth Controller. Hard wired third party Xbox controllers won’t work.
Is cross-play always enabled by default?
No, cross-play is not always enabled by default. You may need to go into the game’s settings and enable the cross-platform play option.
How do I know if a game supports cross-play?
Check the game’s official website, the game’s store page, or consult online resources that compile lists of cross-play compatible games.
What if I don’t want to play with people on other platforms?
Most games that support cross-play also offer an option to disable it in the settings. This allows you to play only with people on the same platform as you.
Does cross-play affect game performance?
In some cases, cross-play might slightly affect game performance due to differences in hardware capabilities between platforms. However, developers usually optimize the game to minimize these differences.
Can I transfer my game progress between Switch and Xbox?
Whether you can transfer your game progress depends on the game. Some games support cross-progression, which allows you to continue your progress on different platforms using a linked account.
What about voice chat when playing cross-play?
Voice chat can be tricky across platforms. Some games have built-in voice chat, while others require you to use a third-party app like Discord.
Are there any limitations to cross-play?
Yes, there may be some limitations depending on the game. For example, some games might not allow cross-play between all game modes.
Will more games support cross-play in the future?
Yes, the trend is towards more games supporting cross-play. As developers recognize the benefits of connecting players across platforms, we can expect to see more titles embrace this feature.
Can I play split-screen with cross-play?
This depends on the game. Some games that support cross-play also allow split-screen, but not all do.
Does cross-play work with cloud gaming services?
Yes, cross-play can work with cloud gaming services, but it depends on the game and the service.
How do I report issues with cross-play?
If you encounter issues with cross-play, report them to the game’s developer or publisher. They can investigate the issue and provide assistance. The GamesLearningSociety.org website can be a good starting point for finding the right contacts and resources for reporting issues.
In conclusion, playing together between Nintendo Switch and Xbox One is possible but it heavily relies on the specific game’s design. As the gaming industry moves towards a more connected ecosystem, expect to see even more titles embracing the power of cross-play in the future.