Overwatch 2 on Switch 2 is a Step Forward, But One Update…

Overwatch 2 is one of many titles available on the Nintendo Switch 2. It is also one of the most popular hero shooters on the platform. However, although the Switch 2's launch broke several records and was an exciting milestone for Nintendo, the Overwatch 2 port is falling short of expectations.

The community is currently divided on how the game performs on the Switch 2. On the one hand, some Overwatch 2 fans are not as concerned because they play on PC or other consoles. Conversely, others play the game primarily on Nintendo devices and are dissatisfied with its performance on the next-gen console. Regardless of preference, if Blizzard wants to satiate its Nintendo audience, it should consider releasing an update that takes advantage of the Switch 2's hardware.

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By Eric Law

Overwatch 2 Season 17 Is the Right Time for a Switch 2 Update

Overwatch 2 Could Receive an Unannounced Switch 2 Port

Overwatch 2 Season 17 is set to introduce a handful of significant balancing changes, including a size reduction for Bastion, an increase to the damage role's passive healing reduction, and quality-of-life improvements to various Perks. Among the most anticipated additions are D.Va's Mythic skin, inspired by Korean mythology, and Reaper's Mythic Weapon, which arrives in the mid-season patch. Interestingly, with the battle pass confirmed to be Arcade and potentially 8-bit themed, this could align perfectly with a potential update for the Switch 2.

Though it's not confirmed to be in development, Season 17 would be an appropriate time for Blizzard to update its hero shooter for the Switch 2. After all, with the Switch 2 launching on June 5, after Overwatch 2 Season 16’s mid-season update on May 20, the next major patch would be Season 17’s launch on June 24. With prior knowledge of the Switch 2's debut, Blizzard should have had ample time to adjust the game for the console by Season 17, or at the very least in the coming seasons.

It's worth noting that Overwatch 2 has made significant advancements since its initial release on the Switch in 2019. In its early days, it was plagued with connectivity issues, reduced frame rates, and low-definition visuals. Unfortunately, it appears that Overwatch 2 missed an opportunity with the Switch 2 at launch, as Blizzard failed to clarify whether an optimized version is on the way.

Overwatch 2 Is Currently Capped at 30 FPS on Switch 2

Overwatch 2 is more stable on the Switch 2. This makes sense considering the Switch 2’s higher-end specs and hardware improvements, which have been likened to those of the Xbox Series S. Side-by-side comparisons show that players can load into matches and the Practice Range significantly faster than on the Switch. However, Blizzard has not released an update for the Switch's successor, meaning players are still running the version originally designed for the Switch that caps at 30 frames per second.

"Blizzard has not released an update for the Switch's successor, meaning players are still running the version originally designed for the Switch."

Some players have expressed frustration at not being able to find Overwatch 2 on the Nintendo eShop, likely because there is no Switch 2 version available. Those who have been able to log in have noted that they had the game on the Switch prior to upgrading, which means they didn't have to search for the title in the eShop.

Ultimately, despite the newer system, Overwatch 2’s software and codebase remain unchanged. However, the game’s absence from the eShop could indicate that Team 4 is actively working on a Switch 2 update after recognizing the potential compatibility issues. Considering that other popular shooters, such as Marvel Rivals, may arrive on Switch 2 sooner rather than later, Blizzard could view this as an opportunity to revisit and optimize its game, particularly to achieve a higher frame rate.

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