One of 2025’s biggest surprise hits is expanding to Nintendo platforms. Dispatch, the superhero workplace comedy starring Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, officially launches on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on January 28, 2026. Developer AdHoc Studio confirmed the news after the game appeared on the Australian Nintendo eShop, and pre-orders are now live with a 10% discount bringing the price down to $26.99 from $29.99.
Free Upgrade Path Sweetens the Deal
The most consumer-friendly aspect of this announcement is the free upgrade option. Anyone who purchases Dispatch on the original Nintendo Switch will automatically get access to the enhanced Switch 2 version at no additional cost. The upgrade pack is available as a separate download on the eShop, featuring improved resolution and higher frame rates optimized for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware.
This approach mirrors what other developers are doing with cross-generation releases, but it remains refreshing in an industry where paid upgrades are increasingly common. AdHoc Studio joins a growing list of studios offering free next-gen patches, putting them in good standing with the gaming community. The Switch 2 version requires approximately 14.6GB of storage space, while the base Switch version takes up around 13.6GB.
Why Dispatch Became a Phenomenon
Since launching on PC and PlayStation 5 on October 22, 2025, Dispatch has defied expectations for narrative adventure games. The game sold over 1 million copies in its first 10 days, eventually crossing 2 million within the first month. Those numbers are exceptional for a story-focused game from a new studio, especially one released episodically over four weeks.
The game comes from AdHoc Studio, founded by former Telltale Games developers who worked on beloved titles like Tales from the Borderlands and The Wolf Among Us. That pedigree shows in Dispatch’s sharp writing, meaningful player choices, and compelling character relationships. You play as Robert Robertson, a former superhero whose mech suit gets destroyed, forcing him to take an office job dispatching reformed supervillains to handle emergencies across Los Angeles.
The gameplay blends dialogue choices with strategic map management. When crisis calls come in, you decide which hero to send based on their abilities and your relationships with them. These decisions impact not just individual missions but the overall narrative arc and character dynamics. It’s essentially The Office meets The Boys, wrapped in a gameplay loop that rewards both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence.
All-Star Voice Cast
Beyond Aaron Paul’s lead performance as Robert Robertson, Dispatch features an impressive voice cast including Jeffrey Wright (Westworld), Laura Bailey (Critical Role), Matt Mercer (Critical Role), Alanah Pearce (gaming personality), Jacksepticeye (YouTube creator), and MoistCr1TiKaL (streamer). The recording process took two years due to the game’s branching narrative structure, with actors recording multiple versions of scenes depending on player choices.
Perfect Timing for Portable Play
Dispatch might be the ideal game for Switch’s portable form factor. It doesn’t require precise aiming or fast reflexes, making it perfect for handheld sessions. The episodic structure with natural stopping points after each chapter fits well with on-the-go gaming. Players can knock out an episode during a commute or lunch break without needing to commit to marathon sessions.
The Switch 2’s improved hardware should address any performance concerns. While details on exact specifications remain under wraps, the promise of enhanced resolution and improved frame rates suggests the game will run significantly better than on the original Switch. Given that Dispatch uses a stylized art style rather than photorealistic graphics, it should translate well to Nintendo’s hardware without major compromises.
Critical Reception and Awards Recognition
Critics have praised Dispatch for its writing, voice acting, humor, and surprisingly deep strategy elements. The game earned nominations at The Game Awards 2025, though it didn’t take home any trophies. Review scores have been consistently positive, with many outlets calling it one of the year’s most pleasant surprises. The game currently sits at Very Positive on Steam based on thousands of user reviews.
Some reviewers have compared it favorably to Telltale’s golden era output, suggesting AdHoc Studio successfully captured what made those games special while adding their own mechanical innovations. The strategy map gameplay adds a layer of consequence that pure dialogue choices can’t achieve, making players feel genuinely responsible for their team’s successes and failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does Dispatch release on Nintendo Switch?
Dispatch launches on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on January 28, 2026. Pre-orders are available now at a 10% discount ($26.99 instead of $29.99) through the Nintendo eShop.
Do I need to buy the game twice for Switch and Switch 2?
No. If you buy Dispatch on the original Switch, you get a free upgrade to the Switch 2 version through a separate download pack available on the eShop. One purchase covers both systems.
How long is Dispatch?
The complete story runs 8 to 12 hours depending on how thoroughly you explore dialogue options and side content. The game is divided into eight episodes released across four weeks on other platforms, but the Switch version includes all episodes at launch.
Is Dispatch single-player or multiplayer?
Dispatch is entirely single-player. There are no multiplayer or co-op features. It’s a narrative-focused experience where your choices shape the story.
What makes Dispatch different from other Telltale-style games?
Beyond dialogue choices, Dispatch includes a strategy map where you deploy heroes to handle crises in real-time. Your tactical decisions affect mission outcomes and character relationships, adding a management sim layer to the traditional narrative adventure formula.
Will my choices actually matter?
Yes. The game features branching paths based on your decisions in conversations and which heroes you deploy to missions. Relationships can improve or deteriorate based on your actions, affecting story outcomes and available options later in the game.
Is the game appropriate for all ages?
Dispatch targets mature audiences with adult humor, some strong language, and themes involving moral ambiguity and redemption. It’s comparable to shows like The Boys rather than traditional superhero content aimed at younger viewers.
Can I transfer my progress from PC or PlayStation to Switch?
There’s been no announcement about cross-platform save transfers. You’ll likely need to start a new playthrough on the Switch version.
What’s included in the digital deluxe edition?
The digital deluxe bundle includes the base game plus a digital artbook and four digital comics. This version is also available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop at a discounted price.
Worth the Wait
Dispatch represents everything that makes narrative adventure games special when done right. The combination of talented writers, exceptional voice talent, meaningful player agency, and innovative gameplay mechanics creates an experience that stands out in a crowded genre. For Nintendo fans who’ve been watching this game succeed on other platforms, the wait is almost over. The January 28 release date gives players something to look forward to early in 2026, and the free Switch 2 upgrade ensures the game will look and run great whether you’re playing on current or next-gen hardware. If you’re a fan of superhero stories with humor and heart, or if you miss the golden age of Telltale adventures, Dispatch deserves a spot on your wishlist.