Blizzard's popular hero-shooter Overwatch is finally coming to the Nintendo Switch on October 15. The game will run at 30 frames per second and will have parity with other versions, meaning that the Switch version will have just as much content as its counterparts on other consoles. However, the Overwatch Switch port will be missing a feature that's common for Switch games - amiibo support.
Blizzard has confirmed that the Overwatch Switch port has no amiibo support. Previous Blizzard games on the Switch have included amiibo support, so the lack of it for Overwatch is a bit surprising. However, it could just be a cause that Blizzard couldn't think of a creative way to implement amiibo support in a game like Overwatch, which is almost exclusively a PvP experience. After all, it couldn't really give Overwatch players an in-game advantage with amiibo, and if it wants to maintain parity, it also couldn't offer exclusive cosmetics through amiibo either.
While amiibo collectors may be disappointed to learn that the Overwatch Switch port lacks amiibo support, the Switch version of the game does have at least two unique features. Those who play Overwatch on the Switch will have the option to use gyroscope controls for aiming, which may be preferable to some players. Of course, traditional control schemes are always an option as well.
The second feature unique to Overwatch on Switch is the ability to play handheld. The Nintendo Switch is a home console/handheld hybrid, so players can take Overwatch on the go. Overwatch needs an Internet connection for players to engage with most of its content, so most won't be playing Overwatch on the train, but it does let people play the game at home while someone else is using the TV or something.
Outside of gyroscope controls and the ability to play handheld, Overwatch on Switch will be basically the same game as the other versions. It will launch with all of the post-launch characters, so Overwatch Switch players will be able to play as the new tank hero Sigma, as well as Sombra, Brigitte, Doomfist, and all the rest that have been added since launch. Overwatch on Switch will also launch with Competitive Play role queue in effect, in addition to all of the maps that were added after launch as well.
This also means that the Overwatch Switch port will likely include the Halloween Terror 2019 event when it launches, or shortly thereafter. Blizzard has yet to reveal any details about this year's Halloween event, but fans can count on the return of the Junkenstein's Revenge mode in addition to a new collection of Halloween-themed skins for the game's various heroes.
Overwatch is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with a Switch version launching on October 15.