Blizzard Launches New Overwatch Edition For Switch, Cancels Release Event

As news on the next generation of Microsoft and Sony consoles begins to trickle out, major eSports developers are still seeing titles make the move to the flagship Switch console from Nintendo (OTCMKTS: NTDOY).

Activision Blizzard, Inc. — the company behind such eSports hits as Starcraft 2 and the Call Of Duty series — today released a brand new version of first person MOBA sensation Overwatch for the Switch.

The Overwatch Legendary Edition is out now in physical and digital versions, including updated gyroscopic motion controls that take advantage of the Switch’s detachable Joy Con controllers.

This new version additionally includes 31 separate characters to play, featuring the newly-added gravity controlling astrophysicist Sigma. The Legendary Edition also updates the game to include the Workshop mode for players to craft their own experiences.

Discussing the new version’s launch today, Blizzard President J. Allen Brack commented:

The Legendary Edition reflects more than three years of ongoing development on Overwatch, and we can’t think of a better way to introduce the game to Nintendo Switch players. Whether they’re playing at home or on the go, we’re thrilled to welcome our newest heroes to the ever-evolving Overwatch universe.

Blizzard just cancelled a planned launch event for the Legendary Edition at the Nintendo World New York City retail store today amid continued backlash over the banning of pro Hearthstone player Chung “Blitzchung” Ng Wai.

The last-minute cancellation was announced over Twitter as fans planned protests over the banning. Blitzchung was booted from the Hearthstone Grand Masters group and had all his winnings for the year cancelled after he expressed support for pro-Democracy protests in Hong Kong after a match.

Other eSports companies with ties to China have attempted to prevent backlash over political opinions by issuing statements requesting players not discuss the protests during game events, with the most recent plea arriving from League Of Legend developer Riot Games.

In other Overwatch news, this year’s edition of the Overwatch League’s Grand Finals just came to an end, with the Vancouver Titans finishing their historic 25 – 3 win streak with a surprise upset loss to the San Francisco Shock in a stunning 4 – 0 final game.

Ty Arthur

Ty Arthur has spent the last decade of his journalism career covering everything from cutting-edge tech to local news through outlets such as the Houston Chronicle. He has focused on the counterculture aspects of society, from marijuana legalization to underground music through Metalunderground.com and rapidly changing trends in the entertainment industry. He lives in the cold, dark north with his wife and son. Address: 682 Indian Road, Toronto, Ontario, M6P 2C9. Phone: 416-721-8257.