Among the innovative features introduced in the upcoming Switch 2 is GameChat, a functionality that Nintendo has emphasized significantly by designing a specific button, the C button, for it. To help you get acquainted with all there is to know about GameChat before the Switch 2 hits stores on June 5, here’s a roundup of what we’ve discovered so far.
Table of Contents [hide]
- What is GameChat?
- The C Button
- Camera And Microphone Support
- GameChat Won’t Be Free Forever
- Video Quality
- Safety Concerns
- Preorder The Switch 2
What is GameChat?
The Switch 2’s latest addition, GameChat, enables groups of up to twelve individuals to engage in real-time discussions while enjoying games together. This functionality has long been a staple of services like Discord, but Nintendo, often criticized for its late adoption of online features, is now offering an integrated solution developed since 2020. The company considers GameChat as one of the defining aspects of the Switch 2.
Nintendo’s developers mentioned that the company aimed to recreate an atmosphere similar to a social hangout spot, like a student lounge, where individuals come together and interact.
On Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat, users can simultaneously display their screens without needing to play the same game. This feature was designed by Nintendo to foster a communal area where people could enjoy playing games together, engage in different games, or simply spectate each other’s activities.
Nintendo hinted at the potential for gamers to utilize GameChat as a means of seeking assistance when encountering difficult puzzles or game sections. In situations where multiple players are engaged in the same game independently, one individual could seek advice from a friend, while another player could opt to share their gameplay screen.
The C Button
Nintendo felt that interrupting gameplay to navigate back to the Home screen, initiate GameChat, and then return to the game would be inconvenient. To alleviate this issue, the designers successfully persuaded the hardware team to incorporate a specific button, labeled as C, for instant access to GameChat. The designers admitted that this last-minute request was made close to the time when Joy-Con controller molds were finalized, and the C button is now positioned at the bottom of the right Joy-Con, as shown in the image below.
Camera And Microphone Support
On the Switch 2 console, the GameChat feature utilizes the internal microphone for clear communication, and users also have the option to connect a USB-C camera for video conversations. Nintendo markets its own Switch 2 camera, while an external company offers a Piranha Plant-themed camera accessory. The built-in microphone is equipped with noise-cancellation technology, ensuring that only intended sounds are heard during GameChat chats, even if someone nearby is making a smoothie in a blender – the audio quality remains unaffected.
GameChat is integrated within Nintendo games such as Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree, providing a feature that streams real-time footage of friends and lets players hear their voices directly during gameplay. As illustrated in the image below, GameChat offers users multiple feeds at the bottom of their main screen, displaying their friends’ activities. In certain games like Mario Kart World, your friends’ faces can appear beside their characters, allowing you to see them during matches.
GameChat Won’t Be Free Forever
Starting from June, the release of Switch 2 allows for free usage of GameChat. From April 1, 2026 onwards, GameChat will be a paid feature available as part of the Nintendo Switch Online subscription. While there are rumors about an increase in the cost of Nintendo Switch Online memberships, no such change has occurred so far.
If GameChat becomes a premium feature of Nintendo Switch Online in 2026, users without a paid subscription won’t be able to use the C button for its original function. However, don’t worry, pressing the C button without a membership won’t cause any harm; it will simply redirect you to a page where you can learn more about and potentially sign up for Nintendo Switch Online (NSO).
Video Quality
During the April Nintendo Direct presentation for Switch 2, Nintendo unveiled GameChat, which received comments about its somewhat poor video quality. To be precise, the frame rate was noticeably uneven. However, Nintendo intentionally designed GameChat with minimal resource usage in mind to ensure the games themselves have ample system resources.
To make this concept clearer, let me share some insights about the resources our system possesses. As a gamer, I recognize that chat functionality should enhance your gaming experience rather than hinder it. Therefore, we prioritize ensuring that the ongoing gameplay remains unaffected by the simultaneous operation of chat features. In other words, our aim is to deliver an uninterrupted and high-quality gaming experience while you engage in lively conversations with fellow players.
From a standpoint of system resources, it’s clear that even the original Nintendo Switch had its own set of resources to function. With the arrival of Nintendo Switch 2, there’s now a larger and expanded resource pool to work with. Yet, we strive to utilize as little of this enhanced resource pool as feasible. Somehow, they manage to achieve this balance. It’s important to note that within this restricted portion of the resource budget, other factors such as network systems come into play, and all these considerations contribute significantly to the quality of the video you saw in the footage.
Safety Concerns
Previously, Nintendo detailed measures being implemented for user safety when utilizing GameChat, encompassing both audio and video chats. It’s worth noting that while the company reserves the right to collect and store videos and voice recordings of these chats, this is only done if a report is submitted; otherwise, the data remains stored locally on the Switch 2 device. Initially, players will not be able to communicate with everyone on their friend list through GameChat without explicit permission.
As a gamer myself, I’ve found it happens quite often – accepting friend requests from folks I’ve only played games with once online. It could make one feel uneasy when all of a sudden, those same individuals can invite me for a video chat. To address this concern, the creators of Switch 2 have thoughtfully designed GameChat. During the setup process, you get to pick and choose who from your friend list you want to be able to chat with using GameChat before you even start playing.
When you enter a game room created by your friend, only those individuals who you or your friend have given permission to through GameChat will be visible to you. Prior to joining the room, you can check if any of your acquaintances are present. If you choose not to join for any reason, you’re absolutely free not to do so.
Regarding ensuring the safety of minors, Ono mentioned that Nintendo had numerous internal discussions about this issue. The final decision was that minors under 16 can only use GameChat with individuals on their friend list if their parent or guardian has granted permission through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
As a fan, I’d rephrase that as follows: “Once my parent permits me to chat with a specific individual, I can continue to communicate with them directly from that point forward.
Nintendo adopts a “more careful” strategy for video calls on their Switch 2 devices. If a child attempts to initiate or join a video call, an approval request is sent to the parent’s app. Before the video chat can commence, this request must be accepted by the parents. Although children might feel slightly limited, our primary focus is ensuring safety and thus we require parental approval for every request. (Ono explained)
The camera for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 features a privacy feature known as a “privacy shutter,” which automatically closes when not in use. This allows users to easily tell whether the camera is currently active or turned off just by looking at it.
In an effort to ensure that everyone feels at ease while utilizing this feature, we have made safety a top concern, minimizing any potential discomfort. It’s crucial that all users adhere to our Community Guidelines, whether interacting with fellow community members or chatting with friends, as stated by Ono.
Preorder The Switch 2
The new Nintendo Switch 2 is set to debut on June 5, with a single system costing $450 or a bundle with Mario Kart World priced at $500. Preorders became available in April, and although the initial supply was quickly depleted, additional preorder opportunities are expected in the future. To enhance your chances of getting one for the launch, check out TopMob’s Switch 2 preorder guide. Since the Switch 2 is currently out of stock, you can still purchase a Switch 2 Camera.
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2025-05-09 19:38