Why change a winning team? With its Nintendo Switch 2, the Kyoto-based company is offering a direct evolution of its previous console, to which the video game industry owes the strong comeback of portable platforms. The concept and format of the first Switch have already been exported to many PC console manufacturers, and it is therefore not surprising that Nintendo persists in confronting its new competitors on this same terrain. But then, what does the Switch 2 intend to offer players to convince them to take the plunge?
In addition to much more advanced technical capabilities – but whose precise characteristics are still unknown to us – the portable console relies on two new features: mouse mode and GameChat. The simplicity of the first is self-explanatory (the Joy-Con 2 can be used as a mouse like on a PC), but the second was a little less clear despite a segment being reserved for it during the Nintendo Direct. Here's a summary of the key information about the Switch 2's new community tool.
NintenDiscord
At Xbox and PlayStation, the Discord communication platform now benefits from direct integration to simplify exchanges between players. But would a Nintendo console really be one if it didn't offer its own alternatives to popular services? After months of speculation following the various Switch 2 design leaks, we now know that the new "C" button allows access to the GameChat menu. This in-house communication system developed by Nintendo is so heavily inspired by Discord that the comparison is far from coincidental.
From the interface to the features offered, the Switch 2's community tool has all the makings of a portable and simplified version of the service popular with gamers. No need for a third-party account app: a simple press of the “C” button is enough to start a voice chat session with friends, without even interrupting a game. While the Direct initially suggested that only a few players could chat simultaneously, we now know that up to 12 players can exchange, share their screen or their camera at the same time.
The revolutionary microphone of the Switch 2: we ask to see
Always with the goal of simplicity, Nintendo’s new console has its own microphone, integrated directly into the body of the console. This promises to be able to communicate without additional accessories, both in portable mode and in living room mode, thanks to advanced noise reduction technology that automatically filters out unwanted sounds, such as game noise or other people. When we see the difficulties encountered by certain noise reduction technologies, such as Krisp on Discord, it is hard to imagine that the Switch 2 microphone can keep such promises: see you in June for the verdict.
The Switch 2 camera
The GameChat functionality can, however, be accompanied by an accessory additional: the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, sold separately for €59.99. This connects directly to the console via the additional USB-C port located on the top of the machine and allows you to embed your face in GameChat as in a professional stream… With quality worthy of the 2000s.
Add to that direct integration into certain games such as Super Mario Party Jamboree to remind us of the heyday of the EyeToy camera on PlayStation 2.
If the price of the camera seems a little too high for the quality offered, there is already an official alternative offered by the manufacturer Hori which, in addition to being billed at only €39.99, takes the appearance of a Piranha plant for a nice little effect.
A free service… not for long
Nintendo Switch 2 players will be able to enjoy GameChat for free until March 31, 2026. After this date, you will need to subscribe to a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use this community service. As a reminder, the classic subscription costs €19.99 per year, or €39.99 for the Additional Pack formula which contains certain DLC among other applications such as retro game catalogs. Besides, GameCube games will finally be coming to Nintendo Switch 2!
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