Switch & Switch 2 Versions of Dispatch Censored Compared to PC/PS5
Recent updates about the popular game Dispatch reveal some significant changes for its launch on Nintendo platforms, specifically the Switch and Switch 2. The excitement surrounding this release initially stemmed from a listing on the Australian eShop. However, a closer examination of this listing highlighted some concerning differences compared to versions available on other platforms.
Artwork Differences and Censorship Concerns
The eShop listing for the Digital Deluxe Edition of Dispatch featured artwork that appeared to be censored when compared to the versions on PC and PS5. Specifically, the American eShop showcased altered artwork, whereas the European eShop displayed the original, uncensored version.
- American eShop: Censored artwork
- European eShop: Uncensored artwork
This discrepancy raised eyebrows among Nintendo fans, leading to concerns about potential censorship in the game itself. Regrettably, these fears have been confirmed. The version of Dispatch for the Switch and Switch 2 in the American market has undergone several alterations due to censorship.
Details of the Censorship
One critical difference lies in the game’s settings menu. On the PC and PS5 versions, players can adjust settings related to censorship. These include:
- Replaced Licensed Music
- Visual Censorship
- Profanity Censorship
However, the Nintendo versions lack the visual censorship toggle entirely, indicating that visual censorship is perpetually active. This results in scenes where nudity is obscured with black boxes. Additionally, at least one instance exists where the sound of a character’s moaning during a sexual scene has been muted.
Nintendo’s Censorship Decisions
The reasons behind Nintendo’s decision to enforce these changes remain unclear. It appears that the developer, Adhoc, was required to comply with specific guidelines to ensure the game’s availability on Nintendo consoles. Consequently, certain concessions were made that altered the game’s content significantly for the Switch and Switch 2 launches.
As Dispatch heads to Nintendo fans, ongoing discussions about censorship and creative liberties will likely continue. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding digital content across diverse gaming platforms.
