Nintendo Switch 2: Gaming Communication - United, Always, Everywhere
The Nintendo Switch 2 console has received a significant update with the introduction of GameChat, a built-in voice and video communication feature that enhances the multiplayer gaming experience. This innovative service allows players to communicate, video call, and share their screens with friends directly on the console during games.
Features of GameChat
GameChat offers a variety of features designed to enrich the gaming experience, including:
- In-game voice chat for supported titles, utilising the Switch 2’s built-in microphone with background noise filtering and volume adjustment based on proximity.
- Video calls using compatible USB cameras (sold separately), allowing users to see up to four friends' faces simultaneously and track facial expressions.
- Screen sharing to display gameplay in real time to up to four friends, useful for showing what another player is doing.
- Private chat rooms for up to 12 players in voice chat, with fewer participants allowed when screen sharing or video calling.
- Special options for streamers to chat live while broadcasting.
Accessing GameChat
The GameChat interface is easily accessible via the C Button on the Joy-Con 2 (Right), which opens the menu to start or join sessions, and adjust settings like muting the microphone, toggling the camera, or turning off screen sharing.
Requirements
To make the most of GameChat, a few prerequisites are necessary:
- A Nintendo Switch 2 console is essential.
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required starting April 1, 2026 (the service is currently free until then).
- A compatible USB camera is needed only for video calls.
- Contacts must be added to your friends list to join GameChat sessions, ensuring security and privacy.
- Supported games are necessary to benefit from in-game voice chat and screen sharing features.
Availability and Limitations
GameChat is native to Nintendo Switch 2 and does not require third-party apps or smartphones. However, it's important to note that chat sessions have a maximum duration of 24 hours, after which they automatically close. Voice chat works for up to 12 users per session, screen sharing and video chat support fewer participants.
The video quality is lower than typical phone or PC calls, and only select games currently support advanced features like CameraPlay, such as Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Parental controls are integrated for safety, but the service may lack the customisation options found in apps like Discord, which may still appeal more to dedicated streamers or esports players.
Availability
GameChat is included with any Nintendo Switch Online membership and is available now for Nintendo Switch 2 owners as of July 2025. However, it's essential to note that GameChat is not available in all countries. Additional games, systems, and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Using GameChat
Players can team up in the same game or watch others play different games in the same session. GameChat is designed to facilitate social interaction and fun during gaming sessions, allowing players to share their game screens while chatting in GameChat sessions. A compatible USB-C® camera is required for video features in GameChat, and up to 12 friends can join an online session via the C button on Joy-Con 2 (R) controller.
In conclusion, GameChat represents Nintendo’s first fully integrated voice and video chat solution for their mainline console family and is set to revolutionise the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2 console allows players to communicate, video call, and share their screens with friends directly during games.
- To access GameChat, users can push the C Button on the Joy-Con 2 (Right), which opens the menu to start or join sessions, and adjust settings.
- To make the most of GameChat, a Nintendo Switch 2 console, a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and supported games are essential. A compatible USB camera is needed only for video calls.
- GameChat supports features like in-game voice chat, video calls, screen sharing, private chat rooms, and streaming options, but these features are limited in terms of participant numbers and video quality.
