Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 48
  2. Negative: 0 out of 48
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  1. Oct 28, 2019
    90
    Overwatch on Switch offers the same, fantastically competitive experience that players have been enjoying on other formats for the past few years. While the necessary drop in frame rate is disappointing, it’s clearly helped to maintain the quality elsewhere, and does nothing to diminish Overwatch’s position as one of the best games of all time.
  2. 90
    Overwatch remains a stylish, exciting, and most of all fun game that feels at home on the Switch. While there were some concessions that had to be made to get it there, for most gamers this is a great version of a great game.
  3. Oct 23, 2019
    90
    Blizzard has given us a great port for Nintendo Switch. We will enjoy the Overwatch action, which gives us a huge amount of different heroes, perfect gameplay and the opportunity to play it wherever we want.
  4. Oct 17, 2019
    90
    Overwatch is another great port for the Nintendo Switch, it runs great, looks great and is a lot of fun to boot. There is a lot more content to experience than when the game first launched and more to keep you invested. I really enjoy playing this game on the Switch and its perfect for short bursts of fun in handheld mode.
  5. Oct 28, 2019
    82
    Overwatch is a rare case of a Switch port that works well mechanically, but is hard to justify a purchase. If you plan on playing on console, you’d best stick to PS4 or Xbox. Portable play is desirable, but it’s not always practical when you consider the internet requirement. This port is for a specific audience of Nintendo fans who’ve never played Overwatch and want to know what the big deal is. On the other hand, you can also consider this an all-in-one version of Overwatch. You get console play, handheld play, and motion controls that provide the accuracy of a PC. The value of this port rests on your own personal needs.
  6. Nov 25, 2019
    80
    In the end, Overwatch works well as a port. It's almost boring to talk about, as it aims to be as faithful to the existing versions as possible. It's not a technical marvel, and that may rightfully turn you off, but it's a feature-complete and portable version that is best for quick drop-in matches when you just want a casual match in Overwatch.
  7. Oct 23, 2019
    80
    Overwatch for Switch is a brilliant multiplayer action game with the seal of quality of Blizzard.
  8. 80
    Overwatch is an absolute must-play for fans of multiplayer shooters, and while the Switch version makes a number of compromises, it does not compromise how incredible Overwatch is.
  9. Oct 21, 2019
    80
    No matter the platform, Overwatch is still Overwatch. Everything from every other version of the game is here, warts and all. Gyro aiming and portable play, while nice, don’t offer enough of a reason to choose this version over another if you already own the game on a different platform. But if it’s your first time or just want to play on Switch, go for it; this is a fine port.
  10. Oct 21, 2019
    80
    Despite the hardware limitations, circumvented by falling to 30 frames per second, the competitive shooter made by Blizzard turns out to be a valuable job. A conversion that aims first and foremost to reach new players, pulling them into what is certainly one of the generation's cults.
  11. 80
    If you don't care about portability and have Overwatch elsewhere then give the port a pass. Maybe once cross-save, cross-progression, and/or cross-play are added this port will be more compelling to existing fans, but for those that believe Overwatch isn't Overwatch when the competitive side isn't at its best then this port will only drive them mad. Overwatch is a great port for new fans and casual fans of the game, and no one else.
  12. Oct 16, 2019
    80
    A handsome port of one of the best team shooters of our time, if not necessarily the best place to play it.
  13. Oct 16, 2019
    80
    As a game it's still great, even if this isn't necessarily the best place to play it.
  14. Oct 22, 2019
    78
    Overwatch works on Switch and, overall, brings the experience of one of the most successful games of the generation to the Nintendo console. There are some issues, though, and unless portability is a must for you, we would suggest considering other versions.
  15. Nov 6, 2019
    75
    Overwatch on Nintendo Switch should've arrived a while ago but even with its multiple compromises offers a mostly good way to play the game.
  16. Oct 21, 2019
    75
    While FPS are not initially designed to be played on consoles , the Switch is a nice one to play Overwatch on, as long as it's on a wide screen. The experience is similar to playing on a PS4 or Xbox and the controller allows a good gameplay immersion. The Switch doesn't provide ultra graphics as on PC, of course, but it does a good job delivering a beautiful image. If the portable mode enthusiasts might find what they're looking for, we still recommend you play with the controller.
  17. Oct 21, 2019
    75
    Nice and smooth in 720p, Overwatch on the Nintendo Switch is a good experience, but keep in mind that you'll need a Pro Controller to handle it well, because the Switch Joysticks definitely aren't made for FPS gameplays.
  18. Oct 21, 2019
    75
    Overwatch came to Nintendo Switch in a very good way. The game itself is a marvelous port for the Nintendo handheld, you can play perfectly without lag or noticeable fps drops; the game looks great, good graphics and textures, but the details tell no lies if you zoom at it.
  19. Nov 18, 2019
    74
    If you want to play Overwatch, the Switch shouldn't be your first platform of choice, and if you're looking for a way to play Overwatch on the go, you're still going to be limited to high-speed access points. Imprecise controls and graphical slowdowns are other issues that you'll need to contend with, but at its core the games is still a fun team-based shooter, and if the Switch is your only option to play it you will probably have fun with it overall.
  20. CD-Action
    Nov 25, 2019
    70
    The Switch version is ideal for couch gaming and the gyro controls change everything... even if from the technical standpoint the game has some real problems. [13/2019, p.81]
  21. Nov 19, 2019
    70
    The equation is fairly simple: If you're a first time player, the Switch version will be just fine: It looks nice, it plays nice, and still packs a ton of fun. For seasoned players on other consoles and especially PC - that's a very hard sell with the drop in performance.
  22. Nov 3, 2019
    70
    Overwatch on Switch is a fun experience that, while technically having everything from the other platforms, misses the very competitive edge that so many fans want from the game.
  23. Nov 1, 2019
    70
    Overwatch is an awesome looking game and a pretty good addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library and with more than enough content to keep any player busy for a long time. While versions on other platforms feel more precise, this Legendary Edition is worth the $39.99 cost if you’re a fan of the genre looking to play both at home or on the go.
  24. Nov 1, 2019
    70
    Although the Switch version is a new way to play, it really doesn't add anything new to the game. If you were a fan before, you'll either want to play it again or you won't. But if you're a new player picking Overwatch up for the first time, then you'll very much enjoy the experience on Nintendo.
  25. Oct 28, 2019
    70
    If you already own Overwatch on another platform, I would recommend sticking with it. If you only have a Nintendo Switch or a PC that isn’t great for gaming and you want to try Overwatch out, the Switch version is perfectly serviceable. It hasn’t got all the bells and whistles in graphical appearance or performance, but it works. For me, the gyro controls weren’t large enough drawcards for me to feel that the Switch version is different enough to be a “must play” for existing fans playing on other platforms. It’s Overwatch. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes there’s toxicity, but as a game, it works. Good enough.
  26. Oct 25, 2019
    70
    Well polished, looks great, and plays well, Overwatch is a great shooter on Switch, let down by loot box mechanics and a lack of a decent progression or reward system.
  27. Overwatch on Nintendo Switch was a good experience. Knowing that you could play it everywhere you want feels good. But lack of 60 FPS of gameplay and low graphics quality on docked mod with big screen feels kinda sluggish.
  28. Oct 23, 2019
    70
    Overwatch makes a great addition to the Nintendo Switch library, but its weak performance and FPS issues do dampen the experience. While certainly not the prettiest or most technically competent version of the game, diving in for a few games alone or with friends has never been easier.
  29. Oct 22, 2019
    70
    Like a hero with an arm tied behind their back, Overwatch on the Switch still puts up a good fight. But this scaled-down port makes it a little easier to question whether or not the world needs more hamstrung heroes like this or not.
  30. Oct 22, 2019
    70
    Technical issues make Overwatch on Switch a less satisfying way to play one of the most satisfying games ever.
  31. Oct 21, 2019
    70
    The conversion of Overwatch to the Nintendo hybrid console is, in our opinion, the maximum that the development team could do to bring the hero shooter into an environment not exactly suitable for such a production.
  32. Oct 21, 2019
    70
    Overwatch comes on Switch with too many compromises to keep veterans invested while new players will have some fun before inevitably flooding forums and complain about balancement.
  33. Oct 21, 2019
    70
    Overwatch arrives on Nintendo Switch with a solid port, although it sacrifices important elements such as frame rate, graphic quality and control accuracy, to make use of the advantages of this console. These negative points eclipse in certain measures the excellence of this shooter. However, its speed when playing and versatility to be available on this console, make this version one to take into account.
  34. Oct 20, 2019
    70
    On the Nintendo system, the game will fare its absolute best with the uninitiated.
  35. Oct 18, 2019
    70
    At its heart, Overwatch on the Switch was always going to be a bit of a tough sell. Those who somehow haven’t played it yet could easily buy a better-performing version on other platforms, while those who have played it to death may be put off by the weaker performance and the lack of shared progression. Even so, having the capability to play a match of Overwatch while using the restroom is 2019 living at its absolute finest, and the kind of flexibility offered up by the Switch’s portability is not something to be understated. We’d give Overwatch a recommendation, but with the caveat that you should consider first why you’re buying it. If you intend on playing it plenty when undocked, we can’t recommend it enough, but if you intend on mostly playing on the TV, consider first buying it elsewhere.
  36. Oct 18, 2019
    70
    Overwatch for Switch continues to be one of the best hero shooters ever, despite some problems related to Nintendo hybrid controls. It may not be the best version on the market but it's still a lot of fun.
  37. Oct 17, 2019
    70
    The best hero shooter ever made launches on Switch with a fair porting that allows you to play with your favorite character anywhere. On the other hand, Overwatch on Switch had to make some compromises in order to keep the same game experience that we all love.
  38. Oct 16, 2019
    70
    Overwatch is still an excellent title, even this far from launch, but the Switch version is notably inferior in terms of online performance.
  39. Oct 22, 2019
    69
    Overwatch on Nintendo Switch is a prime example of a fantastic game marred by a sub-par port. The core experience remains compelling and the new portability and motion controls are nice additions, but the trade-offs are just too significant. The dramatic drop in frame rate and overall performance make it hard to recommend this port if you own the game on any other platform. However, if you travel often and need that Overwatch fix wherever you go, you’ll at least have a better experience there than on your TV at home.
  40. Nov 12, 2019
    65
    Overwatch on the switch is decent graphically, little texture loss and very fluid in a match. Gameplay still good, but the use of Pro Controller is ideal for this type of game. However, the game's proposed online mode is somewhat frustrating, with lags, delays in looking for a match (which may get worse according to its class) and the clear lack of polish for the release of this version. Finally, those who like online games should enjoy the game, but if you have another console, consider the Switch version a B option.
  41. Oct 21, 2019
    65
    A passable port for a videogame that is best played elsewhere.
  42. Apr 3, 2020
    60
    The Overwatch port for Switch suffers from technical issues which alter the otherwise fluid and fast gameplay of Blizzard's shooter. The Switch Pro controller is essential for everyone who plans to spend more than a couple of hours with this version.
  43. Oct 23, 2019
    60
    Overwatch on Switch is technically functional, and that's the best thing that can be said about it. If you don't care about the game's tactile input or graphical output and aren't planning to be very competitive, maybe this port will be enough to suit your needs. Still, we would only recommend this version to those who have no other option.
  44. Oct 22, 2019
    60
    Overwatch for Switch is not the port that will make you abandon the other versions. In the end there are just too many compromises to recommend it for any purpose other than portable gaming. Even then there are factors to take into account, like the games slower frame rate. But if you can bare that, Overwatch is is one of the better fps games for the Switch. Just not exactly the same Overwatch as other versions.
  45. Oct 22, 2019
    60
    The Switch version offers little to make this port worth shelling out for.
  46. Oct 20, 2019
    60
    Bringing Overwatch in your pocket with Nintendo Switch was a challenge, because the fast FPS style of the game is highly demanding. But Blizzard managed to make few sacrifices to keep a fluid experience for the players. However, the TV mode is lacking in graphics and you will have to start from scratch.
  47. Oct 20, 2019
    60
    Overwatch on the Nintendo Switch wants to fill a gap when it comes to one of the most popular contemporary games in a Nintendo console and while fans of the series will certainly appreciate the opportunity, this version feels severely harmed when compared to others. Its framerate drop, already half of that in other versions, downgrades the visual experience and the bugs that happen on the game's graphics make this feel like a subpar version. There's also no crossplatform compatibility, which leaves this version on the Switch rather isolated compared to the others.
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  1. Oct 16, 2019
    Overwatch remains one of the best multiplayer shooters I've played in years, and I'm impressed with how well it translates to the Switch—especially if you're open to the gyroscopic aiming. And with playing the game mobile and undocked now an option, maybe I can avoid making that OLED burn-in worse with my next thousand hours of Overwatch. [Hands-On Impressions]
  2. Oct 16, 2019
    Overwatch is about coordination, strategy, accuracy, and positioning. A lot of games are, but Overwatch is an addictive, mind-stretching cocktail of these things in perfect ratio. Unfortunately, the Switch isn’t a great console for online competitive gaming. Unless you’ve got a LAN adapter and a Pro controller and you’re playing in docked mode, it can be tricky to summon the accuracy and timing necessary to best enemies.
  3. Oct 16, 2019
    Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch just couldn’t handle the game I love so much.
  4. Oct 18, 2019
    Ultimately the appeal of being able to play Overwatch whenever and wherever I want mostly makes up for the problems. It’s exactly what you’d expect from an Overwatch port on the Switch — with all the good and bad that go with that.
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 151
  2. Negative: 59 out of 151
  1. Oct 16, 2019
    1
    The Gyro Aim is bad and laggy. The game is unplayable. I'll keep play Paladins.
  2. Oct 15, 2019
    10
    Amazing game, portable, fluid, all include with a gold box and 3 months of online, so much time waiting for this in nintendo.
  3. Oct 15, 2019
    9
    Its way better than I was expecting, I mean a lot more!

    I don't know how to put it but the 30 FPS really seem fluid...and that comes from
    Its way better than I was expecting, I mean a lot more!

    I don't know how to put it but the 30 FPS really seem fluid...and that comes from someone who is very sensitive about FPS drops and low FPS in games but on this game eventho you can tell the framerate is locked at 30 (its no secret, they said so themeselves) it just smooth!

    There are 2 things that prevented me to go for a 10 on this incredible "gift" that is overwatch portable: graphical compromises had to be made and that was expected, but in all fairness this is an inferior version of the game. Secondly, every heavy multiplayer game on the Switch seems to have a very low population and since there is no cross play (at least for now) this might be a risky purchase if you plan to play it out peak hours.
    These 2 points are not really the game's fault per se, its due to hardware limitations and console population and target audiance but regardless of it I feel it had to be mentioned and should weight on the score.
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