Nintendo Switch 2: Camera Guide

Of all the little tidbits, accessories, and additions available for Nintendo Switch 2, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera sure is an exciting little piece of kit.

The all-new camera plays an important role with regards to the system's GameChat function, and so, with this fresh focus on becoming part of the game and using the camera to engage in new ways, we thought we'd better put together this guide to all things camera on the Switch 2.

We'll cover where to pick up the official Camera, and a few of its fun variations, as well as discussing its functions and if/how other USB-C cameras can be connected to do the same job. (Spoilers: they can.)

Let's take a look!

Nintendo Switch 2: Camera Guide

Switch 2 Camera Specs

First up, let's check out the specifications:

What is the Camera used for on Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo Switch 2 uses its camera functions in a bunch of its games already! The ways in which you interact are split into a few different — and often combinable — aspects.

CameraPlay

CameraPlay allows you to use the camera and its motion tracking, along with your controller's tracking, to immerse yourself more fully in games.

We've seen this demoed in the Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition trailers.

GameChat

Using the 'C' button on the Switch 2, you can quickly jump into video chats with your buddies, as Nintendo puts it:

"Share your game screen while chatting to show what you're up to. And for a more personal touch, connect face-to-face with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera or other compatible USB-C camera."

GameChat is a new feature on the Switch 2 that lets a group of up to 12 people chat while still playing games. You can share your screen in real-time, and even if you're playing different games.

If no camera is connected, you will still be able to use the audio function of the chat, with your Mii or avatar/icon replacing the live feed.

We've used GameChat a bunch of times now on Mario Kart World and it works really, really well - with the official camera at least. This is certainly much more than a throwaway function, and actually something that helps make games more sociable in real time.

Is GameChat Free?

GameChat isn't free, but it does come as part of any Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

However, being nice, Nintendo will have an onboarding period of sorts that will see even non-subscription holders allowed to use the function for free until March 2026. Sweet!

What cameras are compatible?

Nintendo will, of course, recommend you use its official Nintendo Switch 2 camera, but you can also use other USB-C cameras, so long as they're USB-C and compatible. Which is great news, and a little unexpected if we're being quite honest.

One thing to note here, though, is that the official camera has got a wide-angle lens, so that it can easier read movements for games. Perhaps this is something worth considering with any other camera you wish to attach or when making your final purchase.

While Nintendo does say that any camera that's USB-C will work, things are a little more complicated in actual practice, and so it's fairly hard to say with any real precision, beyond what they state for now. For example we now know that android phones cannot be used as a makeshift accessory, and there are also popular brands, USB-C cams that make best-of lists, that are not compatible.

For now, make sure to use the compatibility test featured on the console, as detailed in the next section, for any camera you own. In terms of making a purchase, the best thing is to have a good check around to see if anyone has had success with that particular model, as well as checking out the likes of ongoing compatibility lists - of which there are several - on dedicated forums and channels.

How to check my USB-C camera's compatibility with Switch 2

In order to check if your preferred camera will work with your Switch 2, you can head into its settings to run a special compatibility test. As Nintendo states;

"You may be able to use a USB-C camera accessory you already own. However, not all cameras may work as intended. You can easily check compatibility using the Test USB Camera feature located in the Nintendo Switch 2 system settings."

Under System Settings > Controllers & Accessories in the Switch 2 menus, you'll find a neat USB Camera Test function which can be used to detect your connected USB-C device's functionality.

Official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera price & availability

The official camera is a slick piece of kit. Price-wise, it retails at £49.99/$54.99 (originally $49.99).

The best thing about this official camera is, of course, that you're safe in the knowledge it works exactly as it needs to for all games going forward, not to mention the fact that it just sort of completes the overall vibe and aesthetic.

Hori Piranha Plant Camera

This third-party camera has a real standout design, yes, but also a little worse in terms of its actual video quality, which is certainly worth noting before making a purchase.

However, it does also have some neat tricks of its own, as the pot the Piranha Plant sits in functions as both as a stand, and a USB extension for the device.

Then, the head of the Piranha plant, which contains the actual webcam, can also detach from its pot, so you can then plug and play in portable mode, via the USB-C port.