Leaking ahead of Nintendo’s next Direct is the news that Blizzard’s team shooter Overwatch is porting over to the Switch and set to release next month. Tonight’s Direct is focused on Switch titles debuting during the reminder of 2019. Rumors of Overwatch being ported to the Switch have been circulating following an Amazon listing for an officially licensed Overwatch-themed Switch case, which was quickly removed. A second leak–a retail listing Of October 18th in Europe–brought more credence to the rumor, and today Kotaku is reporting that these rumors are confirmed.
Kotaku reports that according to its own confidential sources, Overwatch is conformed to be coming to the Nintendo Switch, and is likely to release in the United States on October 15th (the 18th is Europe-specific.) The release window is just in time for Switch owners interested in Blizzard’s super-fun shooter to start of strong with the game’s annual Halloween events, which offer among other things unique skins for the game’s various heroes.
Overwatch’s rumored debut on the Switch spiraled into other rumors, with many speculating that one of Overwatch’s more popular characters like D.Va or Tracer may make their way into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While it looks like character from SNK will join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate next year as a new challenger, there’s still a fair chance that an Overwatch character could appear on the roster too.
September 4th’s Nintendo Direct is set to go live this afternoon at 3 PM PDT, with more news on anticipated titles Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield along with an Overwatch announcement. The stream can be viewed on Nintendo’s Twitch, Youtube, or Twitter channels.
Overwatch first released in May 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One and is regularly updated by Blizzard with new heroes, maps, and mechanics. The most recent mechanics adjustment is the addition of Role Queue, which aims to keep team compositions healthy and eSports-viewer friendly. More Overwatch and Blizzard news is sure to follow in November at the annual BlizzCon.