Dispatch has launched on Nintendo Switch, but the release has quickly drawn criticism after players discovered the game is permanently censored on the platform, with no option to disable it.
Unlike other versions of the superhero workplace comedy, the Switch edition removes player choice entirely, locking visual and audio censorship in place due to Nintendo’s platform requirements.
What Is Being Censored On Switch
Dispatch is known for its adult elements, including visible nudity, suggestive audio during intimate scenes, and crude gestures between characters. On PC and PlayStation 5, these elements are optional. Players can enable or disable censorship through a settings toggle.
On Nintendo Switch, that toggle does not exist. Black bars and mosaics permanently obscure nudity, middle finger gestures are covered, and sexually suggestive sounds are muted with no way to restore the original presentation.
AdHoc Studio Explains The Decision
Developer AdHoc Studio confirmed the changes were required to meet Nintendo’s content standards.
In a statement shared ahead of release, as reported by Eurogamer, the studio said different platforms apply different content criteria and each submission is reviewed individually. AdHoc stated it worked directly with Nintendo to ensure Dispatch could be released on the platform, while stressing that the game’s story and gameplay remain unchanged.
According to the developer, the censorship affects presentation only, not narrative structure, dialogue choices, or gameplay systems.
Player Backlash And Refund Concerns
The explanation has done little to calm player frustration. Fans on Reddit and other community platforms argue that the censorship is intrusive and visually distracting, especially since it cannot be disabled.
Some players have stated they plan to request refunds, saying the Switch version does not match the experience available on other platforms. A major complaint centres on transparency, with players claiming they were not clearly informed before launch that censorship would be mandatory on Switch.
Comparisons To Other Mature Switch Games
The backlash has intensified due to comparisons with other adult-rated titles available on Nintendo hardware. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 include nudity and mature content on Switch without similar restrictions.
That contrast has led players to question why Dispatch, which many describe as milder in tone, faces stricter enforcement. Some speculation points toward regional policy differences or the challenges smaller studios face when negotiating content standards.
Nintendo has not yet publicly commented on the situation.
A Strong Game With A Divisive Switch Release
Dispatch has been widely praised since its original release, selling over one million copies within ten days and earning strong critical reviews for its writing, dialogue choices, and character-driven humour.
For players who want the uncensored experience, the PC and PlayStation 5 versions remain unchanged. An Xbox release has not been announced.
The controversy highlights growing expectations around feature parity across platforms, especially when censorship is optional elsewhere. For many players, the issue is less about the content itself and more about losing the ability to choose how they experience a game clearly made for adults.