Activision has officially revealed when Nintendo Switch 2 owners can pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, while also confirming that the platform will take part in the game’s second Open Beta weekend. The announcement comes as part of a broader update covering Call of Duty: NEXT, the recently concluded Fanatics Fest showcase, and a new serialized weapon camo reward for early adopters.
For Nintendo fans, the biggest news is that Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders will open on August 26, just two days before the Open Beta begins on August 28. Unlike the Early Access Beta available to players who pre-order on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, the second beta weekend will be open to all supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2. However, Activision notes that Nintendo Switch Online is required for Switch 2 users to participate.
The latest announcement also highlights Infinity Ward’s ongoing efforts to expand the franchise across more platforms while giving players an early look at Modern Warfare 4 before its October launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 joins Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta
Activision confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders begin on August 26, with the Open Beta running from August 28 through September 1. Importantly, Nintendo players do not need to pre-order the game to access the Open Beta, although an active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
The first beta weekend begins immediately after Call of Duty: NEXT on August 21 and runs through August 25. That Early Access period is limited to players who have pre-ordered the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
During the beta, players can experience multiple multiplayer maps, classic and new game modes, the new Kill Block mode, dozens of unlockable weapons, and operators from the Vault Edition. Activision also confirmed that more gameplay details and beta rewards will be shared closer to launch.
Call of Duty: NEXT and Fanatics Fest reveal more gameplay
Before the beta begins, Activision will host Call of Duty: NEXT on August 21, where Infinity Ward will showcase live gameplay, developer insights, multiplayer features, and additional announcements for Modern Warfare 4.
The publisher also recapped its presence at Fanatics Fest, where attendees received the first public hands-on experience with Kill Block, a fast-paced 10v10 multiplayer mode set inside the West Bridge Advanced Military Training Facility. Designed around changing battlefield layouts, the mode encourages players to adapt their strategies between matches.
Fanatics Fest also featured developer panels, live creator events, exhibition matches, exclusive merchandise, and the public debut of the Aston Martin Dreadnought tactical SUV. The vehicle will later become drivable in Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ and Call of Duty: Warzone.
Pre-order bonus includes first serialized weapon camo
Players who digitally pre-order either the Standard or Vault Edition before Black Ops 7 Season 05 launches on July 23 will instantly unlock the Moonlit Pearl Universal Weapon Camo. They will also gain access to a limited-time challenge to earn the Gilded Ruin Universal Camo.
What makes this reward unique is its serialized variant. The first 100,000 players to complete the challenge will receive a version engraved with their own unique number, making it the franchise’s first serialized weapon camo. Players who finish later will still unlock the standard version without the engraving.
Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. With beta dates now confirmed and Switch 2 joining the lineup, Nintendo players will finally get their first opportunity to experience Call of Duty’s newest entry before release.
