Modern Warfare 4 open and closed beta dates announced, including for Switch 2, alongside the return of Call of Duty: Next

Activision finally pulled back the curtain on the next few months of Call of Duty, announcing beta dates for Modern Warfare 4 and the return of its annual showcase event. The big news? The beta will land on Switch 2 for the first time, and pre-orders for Nintendo's new console finally have a date.

This year's Call of Duty: Next goes fully digital on August 21st, dropping the in-person affair for what Activision calls "a global event." Expect a developer briefing, then live gameplay from creators — and the beta kicks off immediately after the broadcast ends, instead of waiting a day.

What's in the beta?

The beta runs across two weekends. The first is a pre-order exclusive from August 21-25 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The second weekend, August 28 to September 1, opens the floodgates to everyone — and that's when Modern Warfare 4 becomes playable on Switch 2 for the first time.

Activision confirmed Switch 2 pre-orders go live on August 26, right between the two beta weekends. That's a deliberate move to catch the hype wave.

As for content, the beta includes 19 weapons across a spread of maps — from tight 3v3 spaces to vehicle-heavy large battles. Modes include Search & Destroy and a new arrival called Kill Block. There's also a Training Mobility Course, designed to teach players the new movement mechanics that have already divided the community.

How we got here

This news follows a weekend of Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer streams from Fanatics Fest NYC, where a handful of creators showed off the new gameplay. It was a strange way to debut footage — and the reaction was mixed. Players were split on the rapid pace and high movement speed, which seems to be the game's new identity.

Activision's shift to an all-digital Next event feels like a cost-saving measure, but also a recognition that the hype cycle works better when everyone can watch at home. The immediate beta start after the broadcast is a smart way to keep momentum.

What's next

Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2. The beta will be the first real test of whether the faster movement and Kill Block mode click with players. Expect a lot of discussion — and a lot of clips — this August.