PART FOUR: NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE, GAMECHAT AND GAMESHARE

Is A Nintendo Switch Online Subscription Required for Nintendo Switch 2?

In order to play and purchase games you do not need to be a subscriber to Nintendo Switch Online. You can access the Nintendo eShop and download additional content without the need for a subscription. However, Nintendo is pushing Nintendo Switch Online as a dedicated service and is tying more additional features to Nintendo Switch 2 in particular such as GameChat, the ability to play first-party Nintendo games online and access the Nintendo Classic services. Nintendo Classics is the rebranding of their retro offerings through Nintendo Switch Online that allows Nintendo Switch Online users to play NES, SNES, SEGA Genesis and Game Boy titles.

What is GameChat?

GameChat is a service that is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. It is a feature that allows users to communicate via voice and video-chat in addition to sharing their gameplay on the screen with other users. Using the built-in microphone and by using the additional Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory, players can use the Nintendo Switch 2 as a hub to communicate with each other across systems even while playing different games. The developers have compared it to a ‘student lounge’ where people socialize and come and go as they please.^[75]

To activate GameChat players can use the dedicated C-buttons on the Nintendo Switch 2 Controllers. Which opens a menu that allows users to share their screen, mute their microphone, view the screen of other players and broadcast themselves via the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory. It’s been confirmed that you can use headsets to connect to Nintendo Switch 2, instead of relying on the speakers and microphone coming from the system or TV itself.

Is Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat free to use?
There will be a limited time free trial called the ‘Open-Access Period’ for all Nintendo Switch 2 users for GameChat. Up until March 31st, 2026 you can use GameChat for free. After that time a paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required to use GameChat.^[76]

Do I need a Nintendo Switch 2 Camera to use GameChat?

No, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory is optional for using GameChat.^[77] You will need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription after the Free Trial period has ended.

What are the specs of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera?

It’s a 1080p camera that comes outfitted with a stand and specifically a wide-angle lens that makes it easier for the camera to detect faces and bodies within a living room. The camera is also outfitted with a privacy lens that can cover the camera when it is not in use. It is optimized to recognize faces clearly and keep them in focus.^[78]

Do I need a Nintendo Switch 2 Branded Camera to use Video chat in GameChat?
No, other USB-C cameras are compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.

With how Many Others Can I Use GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2?
With Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat you can create a group session for up to twelve players.^[79] Up to four players can share their screen via GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2.^[80]

Does the Nintendo Switch 2 Have An Ethernet Connection For Better Internet?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock has an built-in Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. For Wi-Fi the Nintendo Switch 2 uses Wifi LAN 6 to connect to the internet, which is vastly superior to the Nintendo Switch.^[81]

What is GameShare?

Only on Nintendo Switch 2 will certain supported games feature a new function called GameShare. GameShare can be used to, quite literally, share games with players that do not own a copy of the game themselves to play simultaneous multiplayer games. Only a Nintendo Switch 2 system can share the game, however, Nintendo Switch (1) systems can receive these shared games locally and play along.^[82]

This does not mean that the receiving player has a copy or download of the game themselves. Rather, the Nintendo Switch 2 shares a video-feed with other players so that they can ‘play’ along on the dedicated system.^[83]

GameShare can also be shared online with other players. For sharing games online, all participants will be required to use a Nintendo Switch 2 system and will need to be subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online to have access to GameChat. As GameChat is only available on Nintendo Switch 2. GameChat will have an Open-Access Period until March 31st 2026, during which time Nintendo Switch Online is not required to use the voice- and videochat service.^[84]

Not all games will support GameShare to be shared online. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV can only be shared locally using GameShare. Nintendo has confirmed that the following titles can be shared using GameShare online:^[96]

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo has also stated that: "Select Nintendo Switch games will become compatible with GameShare after free software updates."^[97]

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