Blizzard’s Overwatch has shared immense success across Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, but the prospect of the award-winning multiplayer shooter coming to a Nintendo platform has always intrigued gamers.
With the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch and an impressive install base only a few weeks out from its release, we might start to see more third-parties embracing the platform.
Blizzard, however, probably won’t be one of those studios, but not through a lack of not liking the hardware.
Speaking to fans on Reddit, Overwatch game director, Jeff Kaplan, was asked whether there were any plans to bring Overwatch to Switch.
It presents an interesting proposition for Blizzard considering the hype around Switch and the potential the hardware has for on-the-go gaming with console-quality software.
Kaplan admits, however, that there would be roadblocks, but not before praising Nintendo and its hardware.
“I’m loving the Switch!” Kaplan said. “My second favourite gaming platform of all time is the 3DS!”.
He may have just been saving face, though (although we doubt it): he then went on to say how difficult it would be to bring Overwatch to Switch.
“Getting [Overwatch] on the Switch is very challenging for us. But we’re always open minded about exploring possible platforms.”
There could be a number of potential problems holding Blizzard back in this regard.
Firstly, Nintendo doesn’t plan to launch its paid online service until later in 2017, and until then, the entire feature seems to be going through beta stages, even after launch.
Secondly, the hardware itself may not be able to run the game, even with Overwatch‘s surprisingly low-tier specs requirements. The Switch hardware may just not be cut out for the type of game Overwatch is.
At this stage it could just be a matter of waiting to see how well the Switch sells over time.
What do you think? Can Overwatch work well on Switch? Does it belong on the platform? Sound off in the comments below!
