Last week, Nintendo gave us more details on its Switch 2. A console that has received a lot of criticism, particularly regarding its price and that of its games. But Nintendo isn't stopping there. In addition to its inflated accessories, the Nintendo Switch 2 won't support a traditional microSD card, but a microSD Express card. So you'll have to pay again. And if you thought the party was over, a new Nintendo interview confirms that you'll have to pay to use a Joy-Con button.
The C button, a big new feature on the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con
Among the big new features of the Nintendo Switch 2, we obviously find the famous C button. Its usefulness had been questioned during its summary presentation at the beginning of the year, but the latest Direct finally gave the game away. A C button, for GameChat (logical), which allows you to start a chat session. A voice chat integrated into the console, a Discord made by Nintendo which will at least make your task easier. A small downside, your screen is covered with small squares representing your interlocutors.
An easy way to communicate with your friends during multiplayer games or when you play different games, all at the touch of a button. And of course, a feature which is accompanied by the highlighting of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, including the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which allows you to film yourself in 1080p for 59.99 euros, and especially the questionable Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 at 39.99 euros and its camera resolution of 640 x 480p.
Note that initially, access to GameChat will be accessible to everyone. But a free period has been announced, and it will end on March 31, 2026. From that date on, GameChat, and its C button, which activates it, will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. In other words, you will have to pay to use the button on your Joy-Con. But what happens if you are not subscribed and you click the C button? Well, Polygon has asked I asked Bill Trinen, Nintendo's vice president of player experience and product development, and his answer might leave you cold:
"There you can find information about subscribing to the NSO and get an idea of certain features."
As you can see, if you don't pay the €19.99 per year (or €39.99 if you opt for the additional pack), your C button will be useless. A button on your Joy-Con will only be used to display advertising on your screen. For Trinen, if the C button has a price, it's because GameChat is "part of the overall platform experience" and that "Nintendo Switch Online is truly an essential element of the Nintendo Switch 2 experience".
An essential element that is not included in the purchase of your console, Nintendo once again demonstrates the recent shift taken by the manufacturer. Obviously, we must expect Nintendo Switch Online's price is likely to increase soon. After all, tech giants have accustomed us to increasing the prices of their subscriptions, not their quality. We might as well prepare for the worst now.
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