Dispatch’s Switch Censorship Sparks Controversy

The launch of Dispatch on Nintendo platforms was expected to showcase AdHoc’s impressive track record with the point-and-click superhero workplace comedy. However, the excitement has been dampened by news of a platform-specific censorship that has left many fans frustrated, leading to campaigns against the game, returns, and some players opting not to engage with it at all.

Typically, Dispatch features nudity and explicit scenes involving its cast of former villains. While AdHoc allows players to disable such content on most platforms, the newly released Switch version automatically presents censored versions of these scenes, with no option to toggle the setting off.

AdHoc confirmed the censorship, stating that while the overall experience remains consistent for Switch players, different platforms have varying content criteria that must be met for release. They worked with Nintendo to ensure compliance, but the core narrative and gameplay experience are unchanged.

Despite this assurance, fans are expressing their dissatisfaction. Many are puzzled as to why Dispatch faced censorship while larger titles seem to get a pass on similar content. The Switch has also seen its share of questionable titles that exploit sexual content, adding to the frustration. AdHoc has not provided further comments beyond their initial statement.

One fan expressed their annoyance, saying, “Really annoyed that they chose not to mention this until release day. I pre-ordered and now it’s too late to cancel and get it on a different platform.”

While some players are stuck with a version they didn’t want, others report success in returning the game through Nintendo’s storefront. Although AdHoc hasn’t shared specific return statistics, social media is buzzing with posts from fans detailing their refund experiences and encouraging others to follow suit. Some players were caught off guard by the censorship, discovering it only after starting the game, which significantly impacted their enjoyment.

“I stopped playing right at [an explicit scene], which is maybe like 10-20 minutes into the game,” one player shared.

With AdHoc remaining tight-lipped about the reasons behind the censorship, speculation is rampant. A common theory suggests that regional rating boards, like those in Japan, have specific guidelines regarding nudity. While some point to titles like Cyberpunk 2077 as examples of a double standard on Nintendo platforms, it’s worth noting that CD Projekt released two versions of the game in Japan, one of which was censored.

As of early January 2026, Dispatch has sold three million copies, but as an independent developer, AdHoc may find it challenging to manage multiple versions of the game, each with its own costs and certification processes. This theory remains unconfirmed by the studio.

On a brighter note, the backlash has led to the game’s Nintendo Switch store description now including a note about its censorship, which may help potential buyers avoid feeling misled—assuming they take the time to read it.