Overwatch Port for Nintendo Switch Remains Unlikely, but Not Off the Table
In March, Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan said that bringing Blizzard’s hit FPS to Nintendo’s new console would be “very challenging“. While the possibility wasn’t completed ruled it, things were not looking good for Switch owners that wanted to enjoy the title on their freshly acquired system. However, thanks to a recent interview between Kaplan and Express Online, gamers now know a little more about the future of a Nintendo Switch Overwatch port.
Overwatch on Nintendo Switch?
Here's why it may NEVER happen: https://t.co/MXcAguWneb pic.twitter.com/7BVv55Vq5A— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) April 9, 2017
In the exclusive follow-up interview, Kaplan explained why it is difficult for the Overwatch port to become reality. Some may have believe that it would be a graphical issue, and that the Nintendo Switch simply would not be able to handle the title. Others probably figured that Blizzard has enough on their plate as it is. While Switch owners would love an Overwatch port, it seems that fans’ suspicions were correct.
I think the problem is, we’ve really targeted our min spec in a way that we would have to revisit performance and how to get on that platform. And also, it’s already challenging right now maintaining three platforms and patching simultaneously, which is something that we’ve finally been able to achieve.
Our first couple of patches would come out on PC first and then later on the consoles. And a lot of that is because you’re working with Microsoft and Sony, and you want to be compliant to their ecosystems. Adding a third ecosystem to that just adds a lot of complexity for us, as well.”
This, of course, is not what gamers want to hear. They want to be told that the Overwatch port for the Nintendo Switch will be arriving next week. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and it certainly doesn’t seem like it will be. Not in the relatively near future, anyway. However, those who have access to a machine that is capable of running Overwatch, it may be pleasing to know that the skins for the upcoming King’s Row event have just been revealed. As for the Overwatch port, don’t be discouraged just yet. As Kaplan reiterates, “Just because we’re not on a platform right now, it doesn’t mean we won’t reconsider it in the future.”
What does all of this mean for a future Overwatch port? Will the Nintendo Switch ever see the popular FPS make it to their portable screens, or will the idea never come to fruition? Drop a comment below, or start a conversation about it on the official Don’t Feed the Gamers Disqus channel. As always, be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7. If it is more reading that is desired, check out the following:
Eric Garrett2269 Posts
Eric is an editor and writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he is not staring at a computer screen filled with text, he is usually staring at a computer screen filled with controllable animations. Today's youth call this gaming. He also likes to shoot things. With a camera, of course.
