Overwatch 2 is set to introduce keyboard and mouse (KBM) support for console players beginning with Season 18 on August 26. The update will segregate players based on input method, pairing KBM console users with PC players and other KBM console users.
The forthcoming patch notes reveal that Blizzard Entertainment will implement a revised matchmaking system to accommodate the new input option. Console players who opt for KBM will be placed in a separate “Mouse and Keyboard Pool,” distinct from those who continue to use controllers. This change aims to create a more balanced competitive environment by grouping players with similar input methods. For those making the switch, their internal MMR, skill ratings, and ranks will be segregated from their controller-based statistics, ensuring a clean slate for their KBM performance. These players will also not have access to aim assist, mirroring the current PC experience.
“This is a significant move for accessibility and player choice within Overwatch 2’s console ecosystem. It addresses a long-standing demand from players who prefer the precision of KBM but wish to play on console platforms, while also creating a more equitable competitive landscape by acknowledging the inherent differences in input methods.”
Players will need to actively accept a prompt to join the new KBM pool or can manually switch via the Gameplay Options menu. This decision signifies a notable shift in how console gaming ecosystems are being structured, acknowledging the desire for cross-input parity and providing players with greater freedom in their preferred control scheme. The separate matchmaking pools are designed to mitigate potential balance issues that could arise from mixed input types within the same lobbies.
The integration of KBM support on consoles for Overwatch 2, coupled with segregated matchmaking, represents a significant development for player choice and competitive integrity. This adjustment is expected to foster a more inclusive environment for console players while potentially reshaping the player base dynamics across platforms.
