Nintendo has unveiled one of the big new features of the Switch 2 – the C button. Through this, players will be able to talk to other Switch 2 players using a feature called Game Chat. This falls in line with recent rumours regarding built-in voice chat that is integrated into the console at the operating system level.
By hitting the C button, players get the Game Chat UI. Through this, players then have the choice to get into a voice chat with up to three other players. While regular voice chat can be used, Game Chat also allows for more advanced features, including gameplay streaming.
All players will be able to share their streams regardless of the game they are playing. It could be the same game, or completely different titles that are being played by everyone while they hang out with each other. The window size of the stream can also be changed, allowing players to check out what their friends are doing during voice chat.
The final communication feature in the Switch 2 through Game Chat is the ability to use video chat. By making use of the Switch 2 camera, players can also have a camera feed accompanying the voice chat. This will essentially be used like a webcam. The camera and its software does seem advanced enough to automatically overlay a player’s face on the game stream without needing the user to have more advanced knowledge of chroma keys to get transparency.
Different types of games can also make use of the video chat feature in different ways. A Mario Party game, for example, might show the player in a small window alongside their in-game character. The Switch 2 Camera will be available in stores on the same day as the console.
Game Chat will require a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, however. The company has announced that there will be a free period where players can try it out without subscribing until March 31, 2026. The feature is also supported in the Switch’s parental controls app.
