Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 With Open Beta Access
Activision and lead developer Infinity Ward have officially confirmed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on Friday, October 23, 2026. Ahead of the global release, Nintendo Switch 2 owners can participate in an Open Beta running from August 28 through September 1, 2026.
Pre-orders for the digital Standard Edition and Vault Edition went live on August 26 on the Nintendo eShop, with physical pre-orders also opening at major retailers.
Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Schedule & Requirements
Pre-loading for the Open Beta opened on August 26 at 9:00 AM PT. Playable servers go live on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and close on September 1 at 10:00 AM PT. The test requires no pre-order or early-access code and is accessible to all Nintendo Switch 2 users.
To access the Open Beta, players require an active internet connection, an Activision Account, and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
| Event | Date | Time |
| Open Beta Pre-Load | August 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM PT |
| Open Beta Start | August 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM PT |
| Open Beta End | September 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM PT |
| Campaign Early Access Launch | October 16, 2026 | — |
| Global Full Release | October 23, 2026 | — |
Playable Game Modes & Switch 2 Hardware Features
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta includes content across three core modes:
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Multiplayer: Features a selection of maps, modes, weapons, updated movement systems, and loadout configurations.
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Campaign: Includes playable early access to the story mission titled “Entrenched.”
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Call of Duty: Warzone: Features access to Resurgence mode on the new “Zodiac” map during the Beta weekend.
The Nintendo Switch 2 release is being natively co-developed by Infinity Ward and Digital Legends. Platform-specific integrations include support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, motion/gyro aiming, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, High Dynamic Range (HDR) display, and handheld play. Cross-play and cross-progression are supported across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
During the Beta period, all Nintendo Switch 2 participants gain temporary access to select Vault Edition benefits, including the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack, Special Forces Operator Pack, and the Signature Weapon Collection.
Pre-Order Offers and Launch Editions
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be available in both Standard and Vault digital editions on the Nintendo eShop. Digital pre-orders grant Campaign Early Access beginning October 16, 2026, allowing players to complete the story mode one week prior to the full release. The official October 23 launch will also mark the debut of the new DMZ extraction mode alongside full Multiplayer and Campaign suites.
