Huzzah.
The Switch 2 has joined modern gaming with GameChat, a feature that uses a microphone that’s built-in to the upcoming console alongside an optional camera peripheral.
The microphone can be used in handheld and docked mode, and will be accompanied by game screen sharing so you can get friends to help you out in your own gaming session.
The functionality is driven by the Switch 2’s mysterious C button, which apparently stands for “chat”. Players can also buy an additional Switch 2 camera peripheral to further enhance GameChat.
When playing a game, you can use an overlay that shows the gameplay screen (and optional camera outputs) of those you’re chatting with. Up to 12 players can take part in a GameChat instance.
“When initiating a GameChat session, the user invites people from their friend list. Safety features are in place to help players have a safe and secure chat experience, such as the ability to report a person while in a chat session,” Nintendo added. “In addition, Nintendo recognises the important role parents and guardians play in their children’s online experiences, so children under the age of 16 will need their parent or guardian to approve their use of GameChat with an updated version of the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App.”
We’ll have more on game chat as it becomes available. The Switch 2 camera will be available upon the console’s launch, though GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
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