Nintendo addresses backlash over Dispatch censorship on Switch release

Nintendo says it did not alter Dispatch content after players criticised censorship in Switch version

Nintendo has responded to criticism surrounding the Switch release of the episodic superhero game Dispatch, stating that the company did not make any direct changes to the title’s content.

The game launched in January 2026 with censorship features permanently enabled on the Nintendo platform, prompting frustration among some players.

The Switch edition differs from the PC and PlayStation 5 versions by removing options that allow users to toggle mature content.

Scenes containing nudity are covered with black bars, instances of profanity are bleeped, and certain sensual audio elements have been removed.

The absence of choice on the console version led to complaints from fans who said they were unaware of the differences before purchase.

In a statement provided through GoNintendo, the company explained its position on third-party releases. Nintendo said it requires all games on its systems to receive ratings from independent organisations and to comply with established content and platform guidelines.

The statement added that while the firm informs partners when a title does not meet those standards, Nintendo does not change partner content and does not discuss specific material or the criteria used in its decisions.

AdHoc Studio, the developer of Dispatch, addressed the issue separately in comments shared with Eurogamer on January 28. The studio noted that different platforms have different content criteria and that submissions are evaluated individually.

The developer said it worked with Nintendo to ensure the game met the requirements for release on the system, but maintained that the core narrative and gameplay experience remain identical to the original release.

Some players have expressed that they would have chosen another platform had the restrictions been clearer in advance.

The debate has renewed discussion among fans about transparency in multi-platform launches and how content standards vary between digital storefronts.