The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has made its grand entrance, marking the beginning of a fresh era in gaming. Among its innovative features, one unexpected addition stands out: GameChat. In essence, Nintendo’s version of FaceTime or Discord, this integrated calling system is unveiled alongside a novel accessory, the Switch 2 Camera, which I was fortunate enough to evaluate as part of a comprehensive Switch 2 review.
For $54.99 / £49.99, this camera might initially seem like a pricier niche accessory with no revolutionary features. However, appearances can be deceiving as both the camera and its accompanying GameChat experience could surpass expectations. Let’s find out if this is truly the case…
Design and Integration with the Console
Initially, I found the new camera to be remarkably small when I held it, contrary to its appearance in promotional materials and during the event I attended in London. This compactness is particularly beneficial for handheld or tablet use, where a large camera might seem cumbersome or intrusive. The dimensions officially stated by Nintendo are roughly 170mm x 65.4mm x 65.4mm, and it weighs only 111g. This makes it incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport from room to room or even when traveling.
One feature I particularly appreciate in design is the conveniently placed privacy shutter that can be slid to conceal the lens when not in use. This eliminates the need for manual disconnection of the camera from your device and the hassle of getting up. The camera head also has a tilt function, allowing it to adjust up and down slightly to facilitate easy angle adjustments for perfectly framing your face according to your specific setup. Additionally, a practical green light is included to indicate when the device is active and capturing images or videos.
Transitioning to GameChat, it can be effortlessly navigated. The most convenient method is by using the recently added “C button” on your “Joy-Con or Switch 2 Pro Controller“. With this, you have the option to mute your microphone, enable or disable your camera, and share your screen, all prior to starting a call. This is advantageous since it allows you to avoid being immediately on camera when you join the call.
To clarify, GameChat has a couple of minor disadvantages. Firstly, it’s only available for users with Switch 2 systems, meaning those using the original Switch are unable to join. Secondly, you need to connect your phone number to utilize the service, which seems somewhat redundant.
On a positive note, you have the ability to regulate who can extend invitations or join you, as you can verify names from your personal friend list. This feature is essential for maintaining privacy, and it’s especially crucial for parents aiming to manage their children’s interactions on GameChat. Additionally, the screenshot function of the Switch 2 doesn’t capture activities happening in GameChat—yet another privacy and online security measure, as only your gaming sessions are recorded.
It’s important to mention that GameChat is complimentary until March 31, 2026. However, as of April 1, 2026, you will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership, which includes games that don’t typically need it. This could be considered a small drawback, but it’s valuable to understand this condition ahead of time.
Camera Specs and Technical Details
One notable feature of the Switch 2 Camera is its expansive wide-angle lens, providing a broad 110-degree diagonal field of view. This attribute makes it perfect for photographing larger areas such as your living room or multiple individuals in the frame, even when the camera is relatively near you. Nintendo made an excellent decision in this regard, particularly considering the introduction of their new GameChat function.
The camera is equipped with a highly responsive image sensor, specifically designed to recognize faces and self-adjust brightness according to your surroundings. I found this function to perform remarkably well during my trials. Even under challenging conditions like severe backlighting behind me, the camera admirably maintained both the exposure and focus on my face. Additionally, it demonstrated proficiency in low-light scenarios, automatically enhancing the image brightness, albeit with a slightly grainier appearance (further discussion on image quality to follow).
Regarding the audio quality of the Switch 2, I pointed out in my console review that the internal microphone was quite echoey when used in handheld mode. Interestingly, it seems the mic is intended for use from a distance, as it became significantly less echoey when paired with a camera while the console was docked. However, it’s not fantastic at reducing background noise, so if clear communication is important to you, I suggest investing in a dedicated gaming headset for superior sound quality.
Image and Video Quality During Gameplay
The Switch 2 Camera records video at 1080p resolution, and the image quality surpasses what I had anticipated. With its wide-angle lens, it effectively captures your face even when you’re seated close to the screen. This is particularly evident when utilizing the integrated camera test feature, which displays your camera feed in a larger portion of the screen rather than the smaller window seen in GameChat.
In the GameChat, the video maintains its quality fairly well, but it has some limitations when it comes to functionality. Initially, the camera applies a “background erasure” effect upon activation. This feature generally functions adequately, but its performance can be unpredictable, especially if your attire blends with the background. Fortunately, you have choices: you can either “disable the filter completely” or switch to a more precise “face-centric circular crop”.
One practical feature is the ability to zoom, which allows you to get a close-up view if you’re seated at a distance, or broaden the perspective when using it in a living room with friends. Having this level of flexibility is quite beneficial, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the quality loss when zooming in closely was not as significant as I anticipated.
Transitioning to screen sharing, a feature that allows you to display your gaming sessions for others in GameChat. It’s important to note that the frame rate and visual quality of the shared gameplay may appear lower on your end compared to what the original players are experiencing, particularly when expanding a friend’s feed to full screen. However, this decrease in quality doesn’t seem to impact the resolution of the video stream, as it appears to maintain a consistent 1080p resolution, and the frame rate of the captured video also seems steady (although the exact frame rate isn’t specified).
In the realm of Mario Kart World, owning a camera offers an enjoyable extra feature: it allows for the camera to be utilized during multiplayer (both locally and online). This function enables assigning each player’s real-life face to a small icon above their in-game character. Although this doesn’t dramatically alter the gameplay, it does facilitate recognizing players during a race, making it slightly more convenient.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The Switch 2 Camera links through USB-C, a connection that can be directly inserted into your console or dock. This setup works seamlessly with the console right away. The enclosed 1.5-meter cable provides convenience, as its length allows for flexibility when deciding on placement, whether you’re gaming at a desk or from the couch. Moreover, the cable is manufactured from high-quality rubber material, which appears durable and less prone to splitting over extended use.
Nintendo has thoughtfully incorporated a subtle yet intelligent feature known as internal cable organization. Although it may seem minor, the camera includes a rubber clip at its base, allowing you to neatly organize the cable alongside it for a tidier and less cluttered setup. This small addition helps maintain a cleaner appearance by preventing cables from appearing messy or tangled.
While this camera is primarily made for the Switch 2 console, it’s important to mention that the console can indeed work with other cameras, such as the officially licensed Piranha Plant Camera from HORI. However, it should be noted that this alternative offers a resolution of only 480p, whereas the official Switch 2 Camera delivers a crisper 1080p image for more vivid Video GameChat sessions.
I should mention that Nintendo’s camera isn’t designed for attachment to the top of your console and use in handheld mode, unlike some other cameras such as the HORI one. This is a factor to keep in mind when choosing a camera, as you may want to consider whether this feature is important to you in your decision-making process.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to the camera and GameChat, here are the key positives and negatives summarized:
Pros
- 1080p wide-angle lens captures large spaces and multiple people clearly.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to set up or travel with.
- Sliding privacy shutter and adjustable tilt offer convenience and control.
- GameChat pre-call options let you toggle mic, camera, and screen share before joining.
- Strong auto-brightness adjustment handles tough lighting surprisingly well.
Cons
- Pricey for what it does, especially for casual users.
- Phone number required to use GameChat.
- The default background filter can be inconsistent.
- Audio quality is average, and background noise can be an issue.
- Screen share quality drops noticeably for viewers during gameplay.
Should You Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera?
The Switch 2 Camera, priced at $54.99 / £49.99, certainly leans towards the higher end of the price spectrum for a device that may initially appear to be quite fundamental. Compared to other cameras compatible with the Switch 2, you’ll find options that are less expensive. However, most of these budget alternatives come with certain restrictions such as lower image quality, reduced compatibility, or designs that don’t mesh well with GameChat.
This distinctive official camera excels due to its seamless GameChat compatibility, impressive 1080p resolution, and a design tailored for optimal usage with the upcoming Switch 2. If you’re a frequent GameChat user or simply value the dependability of proprietary hardware, then this might just be the top-tier Switch 2 camera on the market for you.
In essence, its worth is significantly tied to extended usage. If you plan to use it throughout the console’s lifespan and there are more first-party games that actively utilize the camera, then the initial cost seems less burdensome. However, if GameChat turns out to be your sole purpose for it, it can be hard to overlook the fact that it’s over $50 for what essentially is an optional extra.
Final Verdict on the Switch 2 Camera
Initially, the Switch 2 Camera might appear unimportant, but when combined with GameChat, it offers a surprising array of benefits to gamers. The camera’s high-definition 1080p wide-angle lens, privacy-enhancing capabilities, and automatic adjustments that work well exceed my expectations, while GameChat is not only easy to use and intuitive, but also appears to be secure.
In essence, the price of $54.99 or £49.99 seems challenging to accept given that GameChat is primarily what you’ll be using the camera for, and eventually, you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online to continue doing so. However, if you’re intending to hold onto your Switch 2 for a long time or play online with friends frequently, I would argue that the official camera is indeed a consideration worth making.
This item might not be essential for everyone, but it’s certainly one of the more intriguing accessories that Nintendo is currently offering.
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2025-06-11 12:48