Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6, 2024, but its decision to skip the Nintendo Switch in favor of macOS could be a missed opportunity.

In the gaming industry, competition within genres is always fierce, and Marvel Rivals is poised to make a big splash in the Hero Shooter genre. The game is set to launch on December 6th across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and macOS, and it features a diverse roster of 33 iconic Marvel characters and looks ready to directly challenge Overwatch 2.

The game is releasing on December 6th and features a diverse roster. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

With its robust gameplay and star-studded lineup, it certainly has the potential to shine bright. However, there’s one major misstep in its strategy that could prevent it from ever truly rivaling Overwatch 2 — its selection of platforms. Specifically, the decision to skip past the Nintendo Switch in favor of macOS. Why macOS?

A Missed Opportunity for Marvel Rivals

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When it comes to live-service competitive games, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox have become the go-to platforms. These platforms are staples, offering the best experiences for competitive players. With no surprise, just like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals will be available on these major platforms since launch.

However, Blizzard made a smart move when it decided to bring Overwatch 2 to the Nintendo Switch, tapping into a whole new set of gamers. The Switch, with over 146 million units sold globally, has proven to be one of the most successful consoles of all time.

This accessibility has allowed Blizzard to significantly expand its player base, and that’s where Marvel Rivals misses the mark. So, why did it opt to support macOS as its fourth platform instead of the Nintendo Switch? It’s a bizarre and puzzling decision.

While macOS is a fantastic ecosystem for productivity and work, it has never been a serious contender in the gaming world. In fact, gaming on macOS is a rarity. Sure, there are a few indie titles and casual games available, but for gamers who are serious about competitive games, it’s never even in the contentions.

Some may argue that the Switch might not be powerful enough to handle the game, but with Switch 2 on the horizon, even that concern is going to be resolved. By prioritizing macOS over Switch, they have risked alienating a large audience to even try the game, and that’s why it might never come close to competing with Overwatch 2.

Handhelds Are the Future

Skipping the Nintendo Switch is a mistake by the developers. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

In recent years, gaming on the go has become an essential part of gaming, and Switch is at the forefront of this revolution. But it’s not just Nintendo that sees the potential in handheld gaming, companies like Valve with its Steam Deck, have made a lot of buzz in the gaming community as well.

If rumors are to be believed, even Sony and Mircosoft are looking to enter the handheld market in the coming years. This proves that handheld gaming is no longer just a niche market. More and more gamers want to play their favorite titles on the go, whether that’s on the train, at the park, or even in the backseat of a car.

In this context, NetEase’s decision to leave the Switch out of the Marvel Rivals platform lineup feels shortsighted and misguided. This was even proven with their decision to go macOS as well. Believe it or not, the future of gaming is handheld. With Switch 2 on the horizon, it will be more than just a passing trend.

In the end, NetEase needs to embrace the future. Otherwise, it may never be able to compete with Overwatch 2 for becoming one of the best titles in the hero shooter genre.