Overwatch 2, Blizzard struggling with one of the versions

Overwatch 2

Nintendo Switch has shown that it can afford a respectable stock of titles. However, since its release, it has also been able to put developers in difficulty, both the largest and the smallest, especially due to limited technical skills, even compared to PS4 and Xbox One. To give an example, among these there was idSoftware, which had to entrust the porting of DOOM and DOOM Eternal to Panic Button, a very capable software house with hybrid console hardware.

Today we discover that also Blizzard is struggling with the Switch version of Overwatch 2. During an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on ​​Reddit, Blizzard technical director John Lafleur revealed some interesting background on the development of the game. Among them, he explained that Overwatch 2 on the Nintendo Switch is proving to be "a little more challenging" than the versions for other platforms, and that "some compromises will inevitably be made."

"Since the hardware is advanced since the launch of Overwatch, we're extending Overwatch 2's graphics engine with more high-end features. However, we are also working hard to make sure that all of our platforms offer the best experience, even in PvE, ”says Lafleur. "Switch is a bit more challenging than others and we will have to compromise in this case. For this reason, some of the high-end visual enhancements may not be present. "

Lafleur reassures gamers, revealing that the development team's main goal is to make a Nintendo Switch version that includes all the most important playful components necessary to fully appreciate Overwatch 2: "We will focus on making sure that all gameplay-related features are added, first of all, and then we will accentuate it with additional features as much as possible."

We can hardly expect a technical sector on a par with that on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, let alone with respect to the versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S and PC. However, we believe that Blizzard will still be able to make an edition like that of the first Overwatch, which all in all also ran fairly well on the Nintendo Switch. For the moment we have not yet seen any gameplay video shot from the hybrid platform, which is why we advise you to stay connected so as not to miss further updates.

If you want to try the first Overwatch on Switch, you can buy a Nintendo on Amazon Switch Lite at a reduced price.

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Overwatch 2 Is Still Coming To Switch, But Blizzard Will Have To Make 'Some Compromises'

It's been an uphill battle for developers porting next-generation titles to the Switch since the system arrived in 2017.

While we've seen some 'impossible' ports like The Witcher 3 and DOOM, often studios have to make serious comprises to get certain games up and running on Nintendo's hybrid hardware. When it comes to Overwatch 2 it will unsurprisingly be no different. During the same fifth anniversary Reddit AMA with the Overwatch team at the end of May, concerns were raised about the Switch iteration of the upcoming release and if it would even be released.

In response, Blizzard technical director, John Lafleur, admitted the Switch version was proving a 'little more challenging' than the rest and that there would definitely be at least 'some comprises' to get the game on the system. Here's the full exchange:

Question: Some of the changes and new features to Overwatch 2 look incredible, such as the higher detail, new way of rendering eyes and hair, and one I especially remember from the gameplay trailer and Rio mission, the giant null sector ship in the sky. Now, all these changes look amazing, but as a solely switch player, I am starting to get worried that the switch will just [not] be able to cope with these upgrades. PvP will probably run smoother (with only 9 other heroes in screen, maybe a B.O.B., with the 5v5 change). Is the game still planned to release in the Nintendo switch, and if it is, what compromises are having to be made (I expect that they would be mainly in PvE.

Developer response: As hardware has advanced since the launch of Overwatch, we are extending the OW2 engine with more high-end features. However, we're also working hard to make sure all of our platforms get the best experience, even in PvE. Switch is a little more challenging than some, and we'll have to make some compromises there. For that reason, some of the higher end visual enhancements might not be visible, there. We'll focus on making sure all of the gameplay-related features get in, first, and then accentuate with additional features as much as possible.

Fortunately for Switch, Overwatch 2 has been confirmed as running on the same (but upgraded) engine as the original release - so we already have at least some idea of what the sequel should be like. It will also allow players across both games to play PVP modes with each other.

At the same time though - it's got us wondering how other aspects of the sequel will hold up on the Switch if it is a more demanding game. Performance is a big talking point, with the original title around 30fps - which many argued was not enough for a competitive shooter. And to top it off, it's now cross-play enabled.

What are your own thoughts about Blizzard making comprises to get Overwatch 2 up and running on Switch? Is this a game you would be interested in playing on this particular system? Leave a comment down below.