Overwatch Switch 2 Review

Overwatch Switch 2 Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

My wife and I used to host a bunch of friends over for console LAN parties, something that was a pretty common occurrence before we had kids. We would empty the furniture out of the living room, set up eight to twelve TVs, and everyone would bring their PS4s over to play the latest games together. Ten years ago, we were all excited to be setting up the living room for Overwatch, a hero shooter from Blizzard that had our entire friend group buzzing. What a night it was. Figuring out what heroes did what, learning the maps, experimenting with abilities, and just having an absolute blast together. A lot has changed in those ten years, and now those LAN parties would require a lot less space, because Overwatch now fits in the palm of your hands with the Nintendo Switch 2 version. What’s it Like? Pick your favourite hero, formulate a strategy, and watch it all go out the window because nobody seems able to group up on the objective, as we review Overwatch on Nintendo Switch 2.

Despite having a rough launch on the Switch 2, with a locked 30fps version of the game initially launching with several bugs before being quickly remedied, it feels somewhat serendipitous to be reviewing Overwatch during its 10th anniversary celebrations. The timing also lines up closely with the reworked version of the game that drops the “2” from its title alongside a major overhaul of its progression and seasonal structure. While many people, admittedly myself included, had a bit of fun with the memes surrounding the name change, removing the “2” actually feels symbolic of Blizzard giving Overwatch a stronger sense of identity again. So far, that seems to be working, with Chapters 1 and 2 helping reinvigorate the player base.

Story content is now delivered through seasonal chapters that slowly drip-feed new developments, currently focusing on the rise of Talon against Overwatch. Comics, animated shorts, cinematics, and exposition-heavy story beats all help flesh out the world and its characters. Most of that storytelling stays separate from the actual gameplay though, as matches can still feature Talon and Overwatch operatives fighting side by side. There are small touches that stay true to the lore, like friendly banter between allies or quips exchanged between rival characters, but they act more as story flourishes rather than something players need to actively follow.

For those new to Overwatch, the game features several team-based multiplayer modes focused on controlling or escorting objectives while fending off the opposing team. Team compositions consist of one tank, two damage-focused players, and two support players. These teams are built from a roster of more than 40 unique heroes, each with their own abilities, weapons, and skill ceilings. That variety is what makes Overwatch so accessible, offering a wide range of playstyles that allow almost anyone to find a character that suits them and still feel like they can contribute to the team.

Being able to switch heroes between respawns adds to the ebb and flow of matches, creating an exciting dynamic where teams can quickly adapt strategies on the fly. Much like any online multiplayer game though, you can still get completely steamrolled and, as the saying goes, some days you’re the statue and other days you’re the pigeon. Overwatch does feature skill-based matchmaking that generally helps keep matches balanced, but even the most mechanically skilled players will struggle if they refuse to work together. In Overwatch, you live and die by your ability to function as a team. I consistently found that I performed far better when grouping up with my usual friends, who naturally filled the tank and damage roles, compared to jumping into solo queue with random players. Communication, coordination, and understanding your team composition often matter just as much as individual skill.

Overwatch also features one of the strongest musical scores in modern multiplayer gaming, with composers like Adam Burgess helping shape the game’s heroic identity through its soundtrack. The music blends sweeping orchestral arrangements with elements of hip hop, electronic music, eastern-inspired instrumentation, and a wide range of other styles that give each moment a distinct sense of energy and personality. During matches, a lot of these tracks can understandably get drowned out beneath the chaos of gunfire, explosions, and voice lines, but the soundtrack becomes far more prominent during Overwatch’s cinematics, where it consistently lands the emotional beats perfectly. If you want to understand exactly what I mean, go and watch the “Zero Hour” cinematic. It remains one of the best examples of how powerful Overwatch can feel when its music, characters, and worlds all come together.

The Switch 2 version of Overwatch has received both a noticeable performance boost and a visual overhaul. Performance targets 60fps and mostly holds a smooth 45–60fps range. Minor stutter appears when switching to the spectator camera after elimination, along with some level-of-detail pop-in during match loading, but overall it remains a stable and responsive experience. It is still delivered with Blizzard’s signature art style, which remains as striking as ever, with several maps featuring nods to other Blizzard franchises and characters. Purchasable crossover skins also bring a wide range of properties into the fold, from Blizzard staples like Warcraft and Diablo through to external collaborations with franchises such as Transformers and NieR: Automata. These crossover events consistently look fantastic, but they also highlight Overwatch’s biggest flaw: monetisation.

Like most free-to-play games, the question eventually becomes just how “free” the experience really is. Overwatch features a fairly standard battle pass filled with skins, voice lines, sprays, and other cosmetic rewards, but its premium crossover bundles can feel aggressively priced. At the time of writing, the Diablo IV crossover bundle costs close to $70 AUD for a collection of skins and cosmetic extras, and we have seen similar pricing with the NieR: Automata and Warcraft collaborations. I understand that cosmetic sales are how Blizzard funds a free-to-play title, but it is still disappointing to see these lovingly crafted crossover celebrations priced so far out of reach for many fans. These events should feel like exciting tributes to the franchises being featured, not luxury purchases reserved only for players willing to spend heavily on cosmetics. Thankfully, Overwatch does avoid the more frustrating free-to-play traps. Outside of the now-abandoned attempt at story-focused PvE missions, gameplay features and heroes are not locked behind paywalls, meaning players can experience the full competitive side of the game without spending a cent.

For my heroes looking into accessibility, Overwatch features a wide range of options designed to make the game more approachable for different needs and playstyles. These include text-to-speech, colourblind modes, subtitle customisation, and a number of additional settings that allow players to fine-tune their experience. As always, I recommend checking out the accessibility suite for yourself to see whether Overwatch suits your specific needs.

Overwatch on Switch 2 is a great way to introduce a new demographic of players to the game, with its accessible gameplay, wide roster of heroes offering varied playstyles, and free-to-play entry point. The monetisation certainly stings when players want to celebrate their favourite characters, but as cosmetics remain optional, it does not take away from the finely tuned team-based mechanics that drive the experience. With a visual overhaul and a targeted 60fps performance, Overwatch on Switch 2 is a fantastic hero shooter that showcases exactly why this game has lasted a decade. And as heroes never die, it still feels like there is plenty of life left in it yet.

So What’s It Like? Overwatch is like Paladins and Valorant.

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