Overwatch 2 is on Switch, but the first game is not

Overwatch 2 launched on Nintendo Switch in October 2022 and is still playable. The original Overwatch stopped being sold in 2022 and was shut down entirely in September 2022, so you cannot play it on any platform anymore — including Switch. If you own a physical copy of the first game, it will not work.

Overwatch 2 is free to read and play on Switch. You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play it, though you do need a free Blizzard account to log in. The game runs at 30 frames per second on Switch, which is noticeably slower than on PC or PlayStation, but it is the same game otherwise.

Key Takeaways

  • Overwatch 2 is free on Switch and does not require a paid Nintendo subscription, only a free Blizzard account.
  • The original Overwatch no longer exists on any platform and cannot be played, even if you own a physical copy.
  • Switch runs Overwatch 2 at 30 frames per second, which is half the speed of other consoles and PC.
  • Cross-play is on by default, so you will play against and with people on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

How to read and start playing

Go to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, search for "Overwatch 2", and select read. The game is about 40 GB, so it will take time depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, launch the game and you will be prompted to create or sign into a Blizzard account — this is free and separate from your Nintendo account.

You can play with a standard Joy-Con pair, a Pro Controller, or any other controller your Switch recognizes. The game maps controls to whatever you use. If you have never played Overwatch before, the game includes a Practice Range where you can learn the basics without playing against other people.

Performance differences between Switch and other platforms

Overwatch 2 on Switch runs at 30 frames per second with lower graphics settings than PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. This means the game looks less detailed and feels less responsive when you aim or turn — a noticeable difference if you have played on other platforms. The trade-off is that you can play on a portable device.

If you are used to 60 frames per second on another console, switching to 30 fps will feel sluggish for the first few hours. Competitive players often notice this more than casual players. The game is still playable and fun at 30 fps, but it is not the same experience.

Cross-play is on by default

When you play Overwatch 2 on Switch, you are matched with and against players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC by default. You cannot turn this off. This means you might face someone on PC with a mouse and keyboard, which is a real disadvantage for Switch players in competitive modes.

If you want to play only against other Switch players, you cannot do that in Overwatch 2. Some players create groups with friends on other platforms specifically because cross-play is mandatory. If you prefer to avoid this, you would need to play a different game.

What you need before you start

You need a Nintendo Switch (any model: original, OLED, or Lite), an internet connection, and a free Blizzard account. You do not need Nintendo Switch Online to play Overwatch 2, even though you need it for most other online games on Switch. This is one of the few exceptions.

Your Blizzard account is where your progress, cosmetics, and rank are stored. If you already play Overwatch 2 on PC or console, you can link your Switch to the same Blizzard account and your progress will carry over. If you create a new account, you start from zero.

Cosmetics and the battle pass

Overwatch 2 uses a free battle pass and an optional paid battle pass. The free version gives you cosmetics and currency as you play. The paid battle pass costs about $10 per season and gives you more cosmetics and currency faster. Neither one affects gameplay — they are only cosmetic.

You can also buy cosmetics directly from the shop using in-game currency or real money. Everything you buy carries across all platforms if you use the same Blizzard account. A skin you buy on Switch will appear on your PC or PlayStation version of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play Overwatch 2?

No. Overwatch 2 is one of the few games on Switch that does not require a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online. You only need a free Blizzard account.

Can I play Overwatch 2 on Switch Lite?

Yes. Overwatch 2 works on all Switch models, including the Lite. The Lite has a smaller screen, which some players find harder to aim on, but the game runs the same way.

Will my progress from PC or PlayStation carry over to Switch?

Yes, if you link your Switch to the same Blizzard account you use on other platforms. Your rank, cosmetics, and battle pass progress will all be there. If you create a new Blizzard account on Switch, you start fresh.

Can I turn off cross-play so I only play against Switch players?

No. Cross-play is mandatory in Overwatch 2 on Switch and cannot be disabled. You will play against players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Is the original Overwatch still playable anywhere?

No. The original Overwatch was shut down in September 2022 on all platforms. Blizzard replaced it entirely with Overwatch 2. Physical copies of the first game no longer work.