In a decisive move to level the playing field, Blizzard Entertainment is finally putting its foot down on a long-standing grievance within the Overwatch 2 console community. The developers are rolling out a stringent new enforcement policy targeting players who use unauthorized peripherals like keyboards and mice on PlayStation and Xbox, a practice that has given them a notorious and unfair advantage over controller users since the game's launch. This crackdown, announced by senior figures at Blizzard, signals a new era of accountability, moving beyond mere warnings to implement immediate and permanent account bans for the most egregious offenders.

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The Long-Awaited Hammer Drops

For years, the use of keyboard and mouse (KBM) adapters like XIMs on consoles has been the game's worst-kept secret, creating a significant skill gap and frustration, especially in Competitive modes. The precision and speed of a mouse simply outclass traditional thumbsticks, making matches feel fundamentally unbalanced. Senior game producer Adam Massey and lead gameplay engineer Daniel Razza confirmed that the time for talk is over. "We are taking immediate action," they stated, revealing a sophisticated detection system built and refined over multiple Overwatch 2 seasons. This system is now active and scanning for players using these nefarious tools.

Zero-Tolerance in Season 10

Blizzard is not messing around. For players caught using these unapproved peripherals during the current Season 10, which runs until late June, there will be no slap on the wrist. The policy is clear: no warnings. Severe abusers face immediate and permanent account bans. The developers were tight-lipped on the exact mechanics of their detection tech—keeping their cards close to their chest—to prevent workarounds, but they emphasized its effectiveness in identifying both KBM adapters and aim-assist tools.

A Two-Phase Plan for Season 11 and Beyond

Looking ahead to Season 11, Blizzard is implementing a more graduated, two-phase disciplinary system designed to reform rather than just punish—giving players a chance to clean up their act.

Infraction Phase Consequence Goal
First Detection Restriction from Competitive play for one week. A clear warning and cooling-off period.
Second Detection Permanently restricted to Quick Play, matched only with other KBM users. Segregation to preserve fairness for controller players.

This system aims to isolate the problem. If a player stops after the first strike, their Competitive access is restored after the week. Those who persist, however, will be quarantined in a Quick Play pool exclusively with other keyboard and mouse users, effectively creating their own separate—and presumably highly competitive—ecosystem for the rest of the season.

Targeting the Top of the Ladder

The crackdown is particularly focused on high-level play, where the issue is most pronounced. Data showed that the usage of unauthorized peripherals was most prevalent at the Grand Master and Champion ranks on console. This skewed the competitive integrity at the highest levels, making Blizzard's actions crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of the ranked ladder. "Our actions are aimed at encouraging fair play in Competitive's high ranks," Massey and Razza explained.

Important Caveats and Future Support

Blizzard was careful to note that their detection system is designed to avoid targeting players with legitimate accessibility needs who may use specialized peripherals. The team is actively working to ensure these players are not caught in the crossfire.

Perhaps the most intriguing revelation addresses the community's long-standing request: official keyboard and mouse support for console Overwatch 2. The developers confirmed they are actively discussing how to implement this feature in a way that does not create an unfair environment. This could involve:

  • 👉 Separate matchmaking queues for KBM and controller players.

  • 👉 Input-based matchmaking that ensures players only face others using the same control scheme.

  • 👉 Clear labeling of supported peripherals to distinguish them from cheating devices.

This potential future support represents a game-changer, offering a legitimate path for players who prefer KBM while preserving fairness for everyone.

The Bottom Line

Blizzard's message is loud and clear: the era of an anything-goes attitude on console is over. With a powerful detection system now live and a strict enforcement policy, players relying on unauthorized hardware to gain an edge are on borrowed time. This move is a significant step toward restoring balance and trust in Overwatch 2's console ecosystem. While the immediate future brings bans and restrictions, the potential for official KBM support offers a hopeful glimpse at a more inclusive and fair competitive landscape down the road. The developers promised to share more details on both the detection system and peripheral support plans in the future.