Nintendo Chief Pritchard Outlines Switch 2 Strategy: Zelda Movie, GTA 6 Uncertainty, and Call of Duty Return

Key points

• Devon Pritchard, president of Nintendo of America, stated that the Switch 2 is at the beginning of its lifecycle, offering improved graphics and processing power compared to its predecessor.
• The Switch 2 has sold over 23 million units since its June 2025 launch, with strong third-party support including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which returns to Nintendo consoles for the first time in over a decade.
• Pritchard declined to confirm if Grand Theft Auto VI will release on the Switch 2, stating it is a conversation for Take-Two and Rockstar, though the console has the capability to handle the M-rated title.
• The 40th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda franchise will be marked by a remake of Ocarina of Time, a live-action movie collaboration with Sony, and a live concert series, with the movie debuting in April 2027.
• Pritchard emphasized Nintendo's philosophy of providing diverse experiences for ages 5 to 95, citing titles like Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Pokémon Pokopia as examples of the platform's variety.
• Nintendo is considering limited-time Zelda tie-ins for Universal's Super Nintendo World theme park locations, but Pritchard stressed that any additions must be organic and not disrupt existing immersive experiences.

Background

This briefing follows earlier coverage of Nintendo's Switch 2 momentum and cross-media partnerships. In September 2026, Pritchard highlighted the Zelda film with Sony Pictures and strong sales, with the console having sold 23.68 million units by March 2026. Recent developments include the Best Buy midnight launch for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and the discounted preorders for the Ocarina of Time remake ahead of its November 5, 2026 release.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Nintendo Wire both report on Pritchard's interview, focusing on the Switch 2's diverse game library and the uncertainty surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI. Variety emphasizes the Zelda 40th anniversary events and the live-action movie, while Nintendo Wire highlights the console's success as a cheaper alternative to competitors and the return of Call of Duty. Both outlets agree on Pritchard's stance that the decision for GTA 6 lies with Take-Two and Rockstar, but Variety provides more detail on the Zelda anniversary celebrations and theme park tie-ins, whereas Nintendo Wire focuses on third-party support and sales figures.

Why it matters

The Switch 2's early success and diverse game library signal Nintendo's ability to compete with Xbox and PlayStation, especially with the return of major franchises like Call of Duty. The uncertainty around Grand Theft Auto VI highlights the ongoing negotiations between Nintendo and third-party publishers, while the Zelda 40th anniversary events and live-action movie demonstrate Nintendo's strategy to expand its brand beyond gaming into cross-media entertainment. These developments could influence consumer expectations and market share in the upcoming holiday season.

What to watch

Watch for official announcements from Take-Two and Rockstar regarding Grand Theft Auto VI's platform availability. The release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 on October 23, 2026, will test the console's performance with fast-paced action games. The November 5, 2026 launch of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and the Ocarina of Time remake will be key indicators of consumer demand for anniversary editions. The April 2027 debut of the live-action Zelda movie will mark a significant milestone for Nintendo's cross-media strategy.