Overwatch port confirmed for Nintendo Switch, launches Oct. 15

Update: Today’s Nintendo direct confirms that the rumors of an Overwatch port for Nintendo Switch are correct. The game will include motion controls, and is scheduled for release on Oct. 15.

Original story: Overwatch could finally be headed to the Nintendo Switch, according to a variety of sources.

Rumors about a port of Blizzard’s popular multiplayer shooter have been circulating for more than a year, and recent leaks attributed to several retailers indicate they could have merit. Kotaku is also reporting that two different anonymous sources have independently confirmed the project.

Overwatch was first released in 2016 for PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One. Blizzard developers repeatedly explained how challenging it would be to get Overwatch up and running on Nintendo’s hybrid portable console, but seemed to get more optimistic as time went on.

Speaking with Express Online, game director Jeff Kaplan said that his team “would have to revisit performance and how to get on that platform.” But, just one year later, things sounded a bit more hopeful when Blizzard senior producer Pete Stilwell indicated to Gamespot that a port would be possible.

Things were quiet on the subject until just last week when the leaks began. First an Overwatch branded Nintendo Switch case appeared briefly on Amazon, only to be quickly pulled down. Then, an internal document from a retail store showed a new Overwatch SKU alongside other confirmed titles. It lists the European release date as Oct. 18.