Since Phil Spencer took over Xbox, the platform's scope has expanded in many different ways. Whether it's the embrace of PC, Xbox Game Pass's affordable library of games, or xCloud's offering hardware-agnostic gaming, there are more ways to play Xbox games than ever. One platform that's remained on Xbox gamers' minds that hasn't been brought into the fold yet, however, is the Nintendo Switch. But Xbox continues to hint that it and Nintendo could have something in the works.

The latest evidence of a looming Xbox and Nintendo partnership requires a bit of background. Xbox boss Phil Spencer is a common participant in interviews and Xbox events, particularly during the pandemic's online event era. During these interviews, Spencer typically sits in front of bookshelves of some kind. What Spencer places on these shelves has become an ARG of sorts, as they hint toward upcoming Xbox announcements. Now it seems that others may be joining in on Spencer's fun.

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Xbox VP Sarah Bond recently appeared in a Microsoft Game Stack event for game developers. Like with Spencer's videos, behind bond was a bookshelf and several items. These included an Xbox Series X and an accompanying controller, an Xbox Series S, a Game Stack baseball cap, and on the highest shelf a Nintendo Switch. Suffice to say, the Switch was placed there intentionally. Whether it's supposed to mean something or not is the bigger question.

If Bond's example of a Switch on a shelf was the only example at hand, that would be one thing. It could just be Bond sharing her love of the platform. It isn't the only example, however. Phil Spencer also had a Nintendo Switch on his shelf in a recent Xbox livestream. As such, the appearance of the Switch has become a trend.

As for what a possible Xbox partnership with Nintendo could look like, it's anyone's guess. Xbox has released games on the Nintendo Switch already, including Minecraft and Ori and the Blind Forest. The Xbox Network is even supported to varying degrees on Switch. A next step forward could be something small, but meaningful, like porting Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Alternatively, it could be huge, like supporting Xbox Game Pass or xCloud.

For the time being, Microsoft and Nintendo have made no partnership announcements. Everything remains speculative. And, as most game players understand, plans could always change at any time and as such, it's best to maintain some skepticism. With that said, Xbox and Nintendo fans are certain to be paying attention to this summer's announcements and the E3 season in particular.

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