The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a new feature called GameChat, a video and audio calling system integrated into every console. To set up GameChat, users must verify their identity by providing a phone number, which Nintendo will use to send a verification text message. This links the user's GameChat activity directly to that phone number, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.
For younger players under the age of 16, GameChat is initially blocked. A parent or guardian must enable the feature through the Parental Controls smart device app and provide their own phone number for verification. This information, found on Nintendo's official website, suggests that this requirement applies to all Nintendo Account holders using a Switch 2, even on shared devices. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further clarification on this policy.
Activating GameChat is straightforward; users can access it at any time by pressing the 'C' button on the new Switch 2 controllers. This feature supports video calls for up to four players or audio calls for up to 24. During video calls, players can use a separately sold camera peripheral to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay, marking Nintendo's first venture into this type of service, which has been a standard among other console manufacturers.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
View 91 Images
Recent insights from Digital Foundry have shed light on the Nintendo Switch 2's final specifications, with a particular focus on GameChat's impact on system resources. Developers are reportedly concerned about the feature's potential effect on game performance. Nintendo offers a GameChat testing tool that simulates the real-world conditions, allowing developers to test without active GameChat sessions. This tool helps assess how GameChat might affect game performance, although it's unclear if there will be a noticeable difference for end users. Digital Foundry expressed interest in seeing how GameChat might influence game performance, a topic that will likely be clarified upon the Switch 2's release on June 5.
As a reminder, GameChat will be free for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's launch. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using the feature. This week, we also got a glimpse of the new Switch 2 game cartridge and heard that Samsung is interested in supplying OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.
