Overwatch Drops Sequel Number: Nintendo Switch 2 Version Launches with Season 2

In a significant move for its acclaimed hero shooter franchise, Activision Blizzard has announced that Overwatch 2 is officially shedding its numeric sequel designation and will move forward simply as Overwatch.

Alongside this rebranding, the publisher has confirmed that Overwatch will launch on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, coinciding with the arrival of Season 2 this spring.

Although details on the Switch 2 version remain limited, this rollout represents a major expansion for Overwatch on next-generation Nintendo hardware. Since its original debut, Overwatch has become a cornerstone in the multiplayer shooter genre, praised for its dynamic roster of heroes, regular content updates, and thriving esports ecosystem.

Activision Blizzard, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the Overwatch universe, is using this rebrand to signal a new era of ongoing narrative development and cross-generational accessibility. Starting February 10, players can look forward to an influx of new content, beginning with the introduction of five new heroes.

Among them are Talon operatives Domina, Emre, and Mizuki, as well as Overwatch-aligned fighters Anran—who will be featured in a special Hero Trial event from February 5 to 10—and Jetpack Cat.

The developer plans to introduce one additional hero with each season from Season 2 through Season 6, ensuring continued innovation in gameplay and storytelling. Overwatch’s story will continue to unfold through live in-game events, animated shorts, comics, and map updates as Talon’s global campaign intensifies over the course of Season 1.

The narrative enhancements are designed to immerse players in a yearlong saga that brings the game’s world to life in unprecedented ways. Season 1 will also feature the Meta Event – Conquest, a five-week faction conflict where players pledge their allegiance to either Overwatch or Talon.

Participants will compete for an array of in-game rewards, including 66 lootboxes, Legendary Echo skins, and unique faction-themed titles. Activision Blizzard has announced substantial improvements to Overwatch’s user interface and experience.

Players can expect streamlined menus, faster navigation, and the debut of a 3D hero lobby, aiming to elevate both functionality and visual immersion. Collaboration is also at the core of the upcoming content, as Overwatch teams up with Sanrio for the highly anticipated Overwatch x Hello Kitty and Friends event from February 10-23.

This limited-time crossover will introduce beloved Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll, featuring themed skins and cosmetics that infuse a dose of charm and fun into the game’s fast-paced matches. The decision to retire the “2” from its title reaffirms Activision Blizzard’s commitment to treating Overwatch as a living, continuously-evolving universe.

As the publisher moves into this new phase—marked by landmark hero additions, rich storytelling, and an expanded user experience—Overwatch remains a flagship staple on Nintendo Switch, now extending to the Nintendo Switch 2 and beyond.

Players and fans can prepare for a major content wave starting this spring, as Overwatch charts an exciting new trajectory in multiplayer gaming.