Nintendo brings GameChat live chatting to the Switch 2

They finally did it.
 By 
Cecily Mauran
 on 
Gamechat screen of Mario Kart with multiple users chatting and playing
Finally an easy way to chat with friends while playing. Credit: Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch 2 has a new way of playing together, but virtually.

On Wednesday, Nintendo announced GameChat, a way for multiple users to chat with each other within the game. And it also answered the question of the mysterious button on the Joy-Con. A dedicated "C" button built directly within the controller enables the live chatting function, and there's a built-in microphone within the controller that picks up audio and even has some isolation capabilities to filter out external noise. There's also a camera accessory so you can GameChat with live video feeds.

The obvious goal for GameChat is to recreate the in-person experience online. There are additional features like switching between camera feed and the game feed, taking pictures together within the game, and expanding individual screens. Users can also play different games within the same GameChat, and broadcast their individual gameplay, giving it a Discord-like experience.


You May Also Like

GameChat will require premium Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but there's also a free trial for you to test out. The Nintendo Switch 2 arrives on June 5, so you won't have to wait long to get your hands on it.

Mashable Image
Cecily Mauran
Tech Reporter

Cecily is a tech reporter at Mashable who covers AI, Apple, and emerging tech trends. Before getting her master's degree at Columbia Journalism School, she spent several years working with startups and social impact businesses for Unreasonable Group and B Lab. Before that, she co-founded a startup consulting business for emerging entrepreneurial hubs in South America, Europe, and Asia. You can find her on X at @cecily_mauran.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Where to pre-order 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' for the Nintendo Switch 2
super mario bros. wonder nintendo switch 2 edition + meetup in bellabel park cover against a pink and purple patterned background

I love this Nintendo Switch 2 case — get it for its lowest-ever price on Amazon
The tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 in gray on a blue and purple background

Everything announced at the February 2026 Nintendo Direct
Player character and dog in Fallout 4

The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' has a little bit for everyone
Super Mario Bros Wonder Bellabel Park screenshot

I got to play the new Nintendo Switch Virtual Boy. It has the same problem it did in 1995.
Nintendo Switch Virtual Boy peripheral in front of display background

More in Tech
The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home
One half of the Earth is seen floating in space through the open door of the Orion spacecraft.

Doomsday Clock now closest to midnight ever
A photograph of the Doomsday Clock, stating "It is 85 seconds to midnight."

Hurricane Erin: See spaghetti models and track the storm’s path online
A map showing the predicted path of Tropical Storm Erin.

Tropical Storm Erin: Spaghetti models track the storm’s path
A prediction cone for Tropical Storm Erin.

NASA to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, report states
The lunar surface.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 2, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!