Overwatch has been one of my go-to games when I’ve wanted to play a First Person-Shooter (FPS) for the longest time now. In fact, since launch, I’ve played across probably each platform and I’ve gotten a hang of all of them. Of course, my prefered platform was PC, as it just made it easier and that’s probably the way the game was meant to be played. On PS4, I had a good time, and was the first platform I tried the game on. The controls took some time to get used to but eventually, you’ll get it.
Now the fact is that Overwatch is a MOBA-esque FPS with skills, characters, and varying game modes that makes it unique, but now it’s on the Switch. How does the Switch version stack up? Is it enough to get you through the day? Well that’s what we’re here to find out. Sit back, relax, and check out our review of Overwatch: Switch version!
Gameplay Mechanics & Looks
The gameplay mechanics is, well, Overwatch. It’s the same game, shocker right? But it does feature some differences compared to its more powerful console/PC versions. Firstly, of course, the graphics did take a hit when you’re comparing it to the mainstay versions. But, I will say, for a Switch version of the game it holds up surprisingly well. Frankly, you won’t notice the downgraded graphics when you get in game, because well, it’s Overwatch. It’s too fast to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The game features all the same things you’d find on the other versions, but just dumbed down. But for gaming on the Switch’s handheld mode, the game itself looked great. I can’t complain about the graphics because to me, it’s great. Especially when you consider you’re playing Overwatch on a handheld system. The future is crazy man.
I did notice occasional lag and the dreaded fast forwarding in online games, but I’ll chuck that to my internet rather than the game’s fault. But overall, I can’t complain about Overwatch on the Switch mainly because it is Overwatch on the Switch. It makes the game feel so accessible, and even got me playing more because I could just get on, play a game, log out. Simple. Easy. That’s what makes a game like Overwatch so appealing to a Switch gamer. No other platform has that versatility and ease of access, like the Switch does.
The Matchmaking Problem
One thing I did notice which really just spoiled some games is the fact that matchmaking takes a while. I don’t know if this is a “Switch” version problem, or an Overwatch problem with dwindling player numbers compared to when the game first launched. Unless you’re playing Quick Play mode, you’re probably going to be waiting 5-10 minutes for a game. This includes game modes in the ‘Arcade’, and basically any other game type other than the Quick Play mode, really just takes too long to find a game. To the point where it’s frustrating as you’re playing around in the “Skirmish” or “Deathmatch” pre-game modes. 
Which makes it essentially impossible to grind for the weekly loot boxes in the Arcade mode, and that’s not cool man. It takes away a vital part of the game, and makes it less so exciting when it’s like that.
Controls
Another thing I’d like to point out is that playing Overwatch on the Switch’s handheld mode is less than ideal. The controls just don’t feel right, you won’t be able to control your main the same way you would on any other platform. This isn’t necessarily a problem once you play long enough and get used to it, but be cautioned, the first few games you play are not going to go well. But like I said, you get used to it.
And now to one of my most heated opinions about Overwatch on the Switch is the fact that the Switch wasn’t made for games like this. It was made for slower paced, platformers, and turn-based strategies, and a whole host of game, but I don’t think an FPS was on Nintendo’s mind when they released the console. There’s not enough buttons to assign everything you need to in Overwatch.
Like, you can set the down button on the D-Pad to your command wheel, but it just sucks. In a game where every second counts, taking the time to move from the left analogue stick to the down d-pad, just doesn’t make sense.
Or how about the fact that you’re not going to be as accurate because the controls are just, well, wonky. Aiming in particular is pretty hard to get used to, but with the Switch exclusive “Gyro-Aiming” which allows for you to move your Switch to aim in the game. It’s a neat feature but I turned it off because well, I didn’t need it. But I will note that this feature is good for more precise aiming if you were playing Widowmaker, or Hanzo. But overall, just expect to be less accurate on the Switch version.
Final Thoughts
While I do have my problems with the game on my Switch, I really can’t hate it. Because essentially, it’s a great experience to be able to turn it on, play a match, and forget about it. It feels less so like a chore, and more like a quick game that’s accessible. I think that alone is enough to convince you to get Overwatch on your Switch, because it’s a more carefree version of the game. It makes something that I used to get so agitated at, a nice, pleasant experience because there’s not as much pressure to be good as there is on PC, or PS4.
Overwatch on the Switch really just got me back to a game that I love, and for that reason, it’s well worth the purchase.
