Dispatch, the superhero workplace comedy from AdHoc Studio, hit Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 this week only to spark immediate backlash over heavy-handed censorship. Players discovered black bars covering mature content and nudity that appears uncensored on PC and PlayStation versions. On January 31, 2026, the developer issued a public apology acknowledging the mishandling while working with Nintendo on fixes.
The controversy erupted days after launch when eagle-eyed players compared Switch footage to other platforms. Nintendo’s content guidelines demanded alterations, but AdHoc failed to clearly communicate this upfront. A crucial disclaimer got buried in store page metadata instead of the prominent description section, leaving buyers blindsided after purchase.
What Got Censored?
Switch players encountered black rectangular bars obscuring nudity and mature scenes throughout Dispatch’s episodic narrative. The superhero comedy features workplace drama, romantic entanglements, and adult humor that clashed with Nintendo’s family-friendly standards. Specific examples include:
- Shower and changing room sequences
- Romantic encounters and bedroom scenes
- Casual nudity during character interactions
- Suggestive dialogue and visual gags
AdHoc expected approval based on precedents like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 receiving mature ratings on Switch. However, Nintendo applied stricter scrutiny to Dispatch’s comedic tone and frequency of adult content, demanding the black bar solution over alternative editing.
The Apology Breakdown
Developer AdHoc Studio posted a detailed statement owning their mistakes while explaining Nintendo’s requirements. Key points from the apology:
| Issue | Studio’s Response |
|---|---|
| Buried Disclaimer | “Wires got crossed and we put the disclaimer in the field literally titled ‘Disclaimer’, instead of the ‘About The Game’ section.” |
| Player Anger | “People have a right to be pd off… We are truly sorry.” |
| Nintendo Guidelines | “Our game didn’t meet those guidelines, so we made changes that would allow us to release on their platform.” |
| Future Fixes | “Working with Nintendo on a path forward to address at least some of the censored content.” |
Store pages now prominently display warnings in the US, with other regions updating progressively. Refunds remain available through standard Nintendo policies.
Nintendo’s Official Stance
Nintendo released a brief statement confirming all platform games must meet established content guidelines and receive independent ratings. The company emphasized:
- Every Switch title undergoes content review
- Mature ratings don’t guarantee identical content across scenes
- Publishers bear responsibility for accurate store descriptions
This aligns with past controversies around Mortal Kombat 11’s friendship fatalities and Cyberpunk 2077’s partial censorship, where Nintendo permitted mature content but enforced visual alterations for specific moments.
Community Reactions Mixed
Reddit threads exploded with frustration, memes comparing black bars to 1950s film censors, and boycott calls. However, AdHoc’s transparency softened some criticism:
- Some praise the studio’s accountability and fix commitment
- Others demand full refunds or content restoration
- PC/PS5 versions recommended as “director’s cut” alternatives
- Debate rages over Nintendo’s inconsistent mature content standards
Positive notes highlight Dispatch’s core gameplay – branching narratives, superhero management, and sharp writing – remaining intact across platforms. The censorship only affects visual presentation, not story outcomes or dialogue.
What’s Next for Dispatch?
AdHoc promises collaboration with Nintendo on content restoration, though specifics remain unclear. Potential solutions include:
- Partial censorship removal for less explicit scenes
- Alternative visual editing (clothing, camera angles)
- Enhanced disclaimers with content comparison charts
- Possible mature rating escalation
Timeline estimates suggest weeks for approval cycles. In the meantime, cross-save functionality lets players continue progress across PC, PS5, and Switch seamlessly.
Lessons for Nintendo Developers
Dispatch reinforces Nintendo’s reputation for strict content control:
- Always test mature content assumptions against current guidelines
- Place disclaimers in “About the Game” sections, not metadata fields
- Prepare multiple visual assets for potential censorship
- Communicate platform differences before launch day
- Budget time for post-release content approval cycles
The incident echoes Wolfenstein II’s Nintendo rejection and Doom Eternal’s blood toggle, reminding developers that Switch maturity varies wildly by title and timing.
FAQs
Why was Dispatch censored on Switch?
Nintendo’s content guidelines flagged nudity and mature scenes. Unlike Cyberpunk 2077’s sparse explicit moments, Dispatch’s frequent comedic adult content triggered stricter visual censorship via black bars.
Is the gameplay different on Switch?
No. Censorship affects only visual presentation of mature scenes. Story branches, dialogue, mechanics, and save progress remain identical across all platforms.
Will the censorship get fixed?
AdHoc is working with Nintendo to “address at least some” censored content. Expect patches in weeks pending approval, though full restoration isn’t guaranteed.
Can I get a refund?
Yes through Nintendo eShop policies. Many stores already processed returns after the controversy. PC/PS5 versions offer uncensored alternatives.
Is Dispatch worth playing despite censorship?
Core fans praise the writing, management systems, and replayability. Visual censorship doesn’t alter narrative depth or branching choices that define the experience.
Why did AdHoc mess up the disclaimer?
“Wires got crossed” placing warning in metadata ‘Disclaimer’ field instead of storefront description. Store pages now fixed with prominent warnings.
Does cross-progression work?
Yes. Cloud saves sync choices and progress between PC, PS5, Switch, letting players switch platforms mid-playthrough without restarting.
Conclusion
Dispatch’s censorship debacle underscores Nintendo’s unpredictable content standards and the critical importance of storefront transparency. AdHoc Studio responded swiftly with accountability, promising fixes while owning their disclosure failures. Players face a choice: embrace the core experience across platforms, demand full restoration, or vote with refunds.
For mature Nintendo gaming, Dispatch serves notice – even acclaimed titles risk alteration. Developers must over-communicate differences; players should read beyond screenshots. The black bars may fade, but this cautionary tale illuminates Switch development’s unique challenges in 2026.