The superhero workplace comedy that became one of 2025’s surprise hits is making the jump to Nintendo hardware. AdHoc Studio officially confirmed on December 17 that Dispatch launches on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on January 28, 2026, following an earlier leak from the Australian eShop that listed January 29. Pre-orders went live immediately with a 10 percent discount bringing the price down to $26.99 from the standard $29.99, and anyone who buys the Switch version gets a free upgrade to the enhanced Switch 2 edition.
Short PlayStation Exclusivity Window
Dispatch launched exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC back on October 22, 2025, which means the Nintendo version arrives just three months later. That’s an extremely short console exclusivity period compared to typical deals, which often last six to twelve months or longer. The quick expansion to Switch suggests either Sony never had a formal exclusivity agreement, or the deal was deliberately structured as a brief timed exclusive to build initial buzz before expanding to other platforms.
What makes this particularly interesting is the complete absence of any Xbox announcement. AdHoc Studio and publisher Netflix Games have said nothing about bringing Dispatch to Xbox Series X or S, despite those consoles having significantly larger install bases than the yet-to-launch Switch 2. This could indicate Sony’s exclusivity deal specifically targets keeping the game off competing home consoles while allowing handheld releases, or perhaps Microsoft simply hasn’t shown interest in securing the title for Game Pass.
Perfect Fit For Portable Play
Dispatch might be one of the most Switch-friendly games imaginable. The narrative-driven gameplay requires zero twitch reflexes or precision aiming, making it ideal for handheld sessions. The episodic structure with natural stopping points after each chapter aligns perfectly with on-the-go gaming where players might only have 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Reddit comments from players who experienced the game on Steam Deck reported it runs beautifully with controller support and works great in short bursts.
The game consists largely of dialogue scenes, strategic map management, and animated sequences rather than demanding real-time action. This means the original Switch hardware should handle it without major compromises, though frame rates will likely target 30fps instead of 60. The Switch 2 version promises enhanced resolution and improved frame rates, which could push it to 1080p docked and 60fps depending on how powerful Nintendo’s new hardware actually is.
What The Switch 2 Upgrade Includes
The free Switch 2 upgrade comes as a separate download pack available through the eShop. Players who purchase Dispatch on the original Switch can download this upgrade at no additional cost once they get their hands on Switch 2 hardware. According to eShop listings, the Switch 2 version requires approximately 14.6GB of storage compared to 13.6GB for the base Switch version, suggesting some higher resolution assets or less aggressive compression.
The Success Story Behind The Port
Dispatch sold over 1 million copies in its first 10 days and crossed 2 million within the first month. Those are exceptional numbers for a narrative adventure game from a new studio, especially one released episodically. Concurrent players on Steam jumped from 12,000 at launch to over 131,000 during the release of episodes 5 and 6, showing the episodic structure successfully built momentum rather than fragmenting the audience.
The game earned critical acclaim with IGN giving it a 9 out of 10, praising its sharp writing, meaningful choices, and charming cast of characters. Game Informer called it one of the best narrative experiences of the year. The success surprised many industry observers who assumed story-driven adventure games couldn’t compete commercially with action-heavy blockbusters. AdHoc Studio proved there’s still massive appetite for well-crafted interactive narratives when executed with quality writing and compelling characters.
The Telltale Connection
AdHoc Studio was founded by former Telltale Games developers including Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart, who worked on beloved titles like Tales from the Borderlands and The Wolf Among Us. That pedigree shows throughout Dispatch in the sharp dialogue, meaningful player agency, and ability to balance comedy with genuine emotional moments. The game feels like what Telltale could have evolved into if the company hadn’t collapsed.
Unlike traditional Telltale games where choices often felt cosmetic, Dispatch’s strategic layer adds real consequence to decisions. When crisis calls come in, players must decide which reformed supervillain to deploy based on their abilities, current emotional state, and relationship with you. Send someone who’s having a bad day to a delicate situation and things can go wrong in ways that affect the rest of the story. This hybrid of narrative adventure and management sim creates tension that pure dialogue trees can’t achieve.
Star Studded Voice Cast
The game features Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul as protagonist Robert Robertson alongside an all-star ensemble including Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, Matt Mercer, Alanah Pearce, Jacksepticeye, and MoistCr1TiKaL. The mix of traditional Hollywood actors and gaming personalities gives the game broad appeal while avoiding the stiff performances that sometimes plague celebrity voice work. Paul in particular delivers a nuanced performance that goes beyond typical video game protagonist delivery.
Recording took two years due to the branching narrative structure requiring actors to perform multiple versions of scenes based on different player choices. The dedication shows in the final product, where conversations feel natural and characters react authentically to your decisions rather than delivering generic responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact release date for Dispatch on Switch?
AdHoc Studio officially announced January 28, 2026, for the US release. The Australian eShop initially listed January 29 due to timezone differences, which caused some confusion about the actual date.
Do I need to buy the game twice for Switch and Switch 2?
No. Purchase it once on Switch and you get a free upgrade to the Switch 2 version through a separate download available on the eShop. One purchase covers both systems.
Is Dispatch coming to Xbox?
Not as of this announcement. AdHoc Studio has not mentioned Xbox versions at all, and there’s no indication when or if the game will arrive on Microsoft’s consoles.
How long is Dispatch?
The complete eight-episode story runs approximately 8 to 12 hours depending on how thoroughly you explore dialogue options and side content. It’s comparable to a full season of television.
Can I play with a controller or does it require touchscreen?
Dispatch works perfectly with controllers. Players on Steam Deck reported excellent controller support with no need for mouse input or touchscreen functionality.
Will all episodes be available at launch on Switch?
Yes. While the PlayStation 5 and PC versions released episodically over four weeks, the Switch version includes all eight episodes from day one. You can play straight through without waiting.
Is there a physical edition?
Not yet announced. The eShop listings are currently digital only, though successful indie games sometimes get limited physical runs later through companies like Limited Run Games or Special Reserve Games.
What’s included in the digital deluxe edition?
The digital deluxe bundle adds a digital artbook and four digital comics. This version is also available for pre-order at a discounted price on the Nintendo eShop.
Why This Matters For Indies
Dispatch’s success and rapid platform expansion demonstrates that narrative adventure games still have significant commercial viability when executed with quality and marketed effectively. The game benefited from Aaron Paul’s star power and a strong showing at The Game Awards 2024, but ultimately succeeded because it delivered on the promise of meaningful choices and engaging storytelling. For an industry increasingly dominated by live service games and massive open worlds, Dispatch proves focused single-player narratives can still break through and find audiences. The quick Switch port suggests AdHoc Studio is capitalizing on momentum while the game remains culturally relevant, smart strategy for maximizing sales before moving on to their next project. Nintendo fans who’ve been watching this game succeed on other platforms won’t have to wait much longer to experience what became one of 2025’s most pleasant surprises.