Dispatch, the episodic narrative adventure from AdHoc Studio, has expanded to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 following its earlier release on PC and PlayStation 5. While the core experience remains intact, the Nintendo versions have sparked discussion over censorship due to differences in how certain mature elements are presented. These changes are not tied to the game’s structure or storyline, but rather to platform-specific presentation choices that affect visuals and, in limited cases, audio.
How the Switch Version Handles Mature Visuals
One of the most notable differences between Dispatch on Nintendo Switch and other platforms is the handling of explicit visuals. On PC and PlayStation 5, the game includes a visual censorship option that allows players to choose whether certain mature imagery is shown without masking. On Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, this option is not available. Instead, visual masking is applied by default and cannot be disabled by the player.
This results in the use of black bars or similar visual obstructions during scenes that include nudity or explicit gestures. The scenes themselves still play out as intended, but their presentation is altered. This distinction is important, as it frames the discussion less around removed content and more around how that content is displayed on Nintendo hardware.
Audio and Presentation Differences in Specific Scenes
In addition to visual masking, there have been reports of at least one scene where audio presentation differs on Nintendo Switch. A sequence that previously included vocal audio in other versions is presented without dialogue or vocal sounds on Nintendo platforms, even when profanity settings are enabled. This change appears limited in scope, but it reinforces the idea that the Switch version applies stricter controls to certain types of mature presentation.
Despite this, general profanity settings are still available, allowing players to decide whether strong language is filtered during gameplay. The adjustments are focused primarily on visual and sensory presentation rather than narrative content.
Storefront Artwork and Regional Presentation
Outside of gameplay, Dispatch has also drawn attention due to differences in promotional artwork on Nintendo’s digital storefront. In some regions, artwork associated with downloadable content has been displayed with more conservative imagery compared with listings on other platforms. While this does not affect in-game content, it has contributed to the broader perception that Dispatch is more restricted on Nintendo platforms.
These storefront differences are often influenced by regional standards and platform guidelines, and they do not necessarily reflect changes to the actual playable experience.
Platform Guidelines and Developer Response
AdHoc Studio has addressed the situation by explaining that different platforms apply different content standards during the submission and approval process. According to the developer, adjustments to Dispatch on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 were made in cooperation with Nintendo to meet those requirements. The removal of the visual censorship toggle reflects those platform-specific criteria rather than a decision to alter the game’s narrative or tone.
This approach is not uncommon for multi-platform releases, particularly when games include mature themes that must align with varying certification and storefront policies.
What Nintendo Switch Players Should Expect
Players picking up Dispatch on Nintendo Switch should expect the same episodic structure, story progression, and character interactions found in other versions. The key difference lies in presentation. Explicit visuals are masked by default with no option to remove that masking, and one reported scene features reduced audio compared with other platforms. These changes do not remove content outright, but they do shape how that content is experienced on Nintendo hardware.
For players sensitive to visual censorship, this distinction may influence platform choice. For others, the overall experience remains largely consistent with Dispatch as it exists elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dispatch on Nintendo Switch censored?
The Switch version applies mandatory visual masking to explicit imagery and removes the option to disable it, but the game’s scenes and story content remain intact.
Are any scenes removed from the Switch version?
No scenes are reported to be removed. The differences are related to how certain visuals and, in one case, audio are presented.
Can players turn off censorship on Nintendo Switch?
No. Unlike the PC and PlayStation 5 versions, the Switch edition does not include a toggle to disable visual masking.
Is the story different on Nintendo Switch?
The story, episode structure, and gameplay progression are the same across platforms. Only presentation elements differ.
Why does the Nintendo eShop artwork look different?
Some promotional artwork appears more conservative in certain regions due to platform or regional presentation standards, which does not necessarily reflect changes to gameplay.
