What you need to play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2
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- The box has a code, not a cartridge. You'll download the whole game either way.
- Plan for about 85GB of space. The eShop listing estimates 84.9GB, before updates.
- Online play needs Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo says the membership is required for online features.
- Want to start early? Buy digital. Digital pre-orders get the campaign on October 16, a week before launch.
- Your old microSD card won't work. Switch 2 only takes microSD Express cards for games.
In this guide
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23. If Switch 2 is your main console, the game isn't the only thing to think about.
Here's the checklist.
Is there a cartridge in the box?
No. The Switch 2 retail version is a code in a box. You redeem the code on the eShop and download the game.
Amazon's own listing calls it "Code in Box." Nintendo Life reported the same thing in August.
So buying the box doesn't save storage, and you'll need an internet connection to install it.
How much space does it need?
The Nintendo eShop listing estimated 84.9GB for the standard edition. Nintendo Life noted that the number may change by launch and doesn't include future updates.
The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, and the system uses part of it. If you already have a few big games installed, you'll probably need more room.
Only microSD Express cards work for Switch 2 games. Nintendo's support page says a regular microSD card from the original Switch can't be used to save or load them.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
For online play, yes. Nintendo's announcement says a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account are required for online features, including GameChat.
If you plan to play multiplayer, add the membership to the list.
When can you start playing?
- October 16: Campaign Early Access for digital pre-orders
- October 23: full launch on Switch 2
Activision's blog lists early access for the Standard Digital and Vault editions. The Amazon code-in-box listing doesn't mention early access, so buy digital if the extra week matters to you.
The picks
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Standard Edition (Nintendo Switch 2, Digital)
Pre-orderGet this if you want to start the campaign on October 16.
Skip it if you'd rather have a box on the shelf. The code-in-box version is sold separately.
- Release date
- October 23, 2026
- Early access
- Campaign from October 16 (digital pre-orders)
- Rating
- M (Mature 17+)
- Sold by (Oct 1)
- Amazon.com Services
It unlocks on release day, and the campaign opens a week earlier for digital pre-orders.
Check price on AmazonNintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership (Digital Code)
MembershipGet this if you plan to play multiplayer and don't have a membership yet.
Skip it if you already have an active membership.
- Length
- 12 months
- Covers
- One Nintendo Account
- Format
- Digital code
- Sold by (Oct 1)
- Amazon.com Services
If other people in your house play online too, Nintendo also sells a Family membership.
Check price on AmazonSanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card (SDSQXFN-256G-GN4NN)
StorageGet this if your Switch 2 doesn't have about 85GB free.
Skip it if you already have that much space.
- Card type
- microSD Express
- Capacity
- 256GB
- Works with Switch 2
- Listed on the product page
- Sold by (Oct 1)
- Amazon.com
The 84.9GB estimate fits with room left for updates and a few other games.
Check price on AmazonA bundle to avoid
Search Amazon for Nintendo Switch Online and you'll see a bundle with a "SanDisk 256GB microSDXC" card. That card is a regular microSD card, not microSD Express.
It can't store Switch 2 games. If you need space for Modern Warfare 4, look for "microSD Express" on the package.
Who can skip this
If you have a Switch 2 with plenty of free space and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, you only need the game.
Sources
- Nintendo: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 comes to Nintendo Switch 2 this October
- Call of Duty blog: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access confirmed
- Nintendo Life: Modern Warfare 4 Switch 2 estimated file size revealed
- Nintendo Life: Modern Warfare 4's Switch 2 retail version is a code in a box
- Nintendo Support: microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2
- ESRB: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4