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The Nintendo Switch 2 reveal brought with it many interesting things. We got a generous lineup of launch titles, some unexpected reveals, and a few other questionable features. Of the latter, we’re referring to the C button, which will enable the GameChat function on your Nintendo Switch 2. But here’s the kicker. You’ll need to pay to use the C button. Well, at least after the open-access period ends. While many might not see this as a big deal, the fact that communication among friends and other players is locked behind a paywall doesn’t look great.
The Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Function Will Be Free for Almost a Year
If you missed the lengthy segment of the Nintendo Switch 2, the above video shows the GameChat features, which, in a simple yet a-bit-on-the-spot description, is basically Discord for this new console. As a longer explanation, GameChat will let you communicate with others and share your screen so others can watch what you’re playing, all by pressing the new C button on this platform. Overall, that sounds great. Yet, there’s a small caveat: you have to pay for the service.
According to the showcase, the disclaimer reads:
Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership, and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat.
Yes, the C button is basically a sub-to-use type of thing. Fortunately, there will be an open-access period, which will end on March 31, 2026. Assuming this open-access period begins on June 5, which is when the console launches, then it is a generous free trial. Still, the fact that you have to pay to use it raises a few eyebrows.
On the other hand, the fact that this feature is behind a paywall might be due to Nintendo aiming for a family-friendly communication environment. It’s just speculation, but it’d make sense. While Discord is free and lets you communicate with even more people and in different communities, it doesn’t have a lot of moderation, which means it isn’t a great place for underage gamers. So, GameChat, by that reasoning, is fine. Then again, locking communication behind a subscription is an instant dealbreaker.
A Limited Version of GameChat Would’ve Worked Better
The GameChat feature could’ve had a better approach for potential Nintendo Switch 2 owners. For starters, perhaps offer a limited version for free. Or maybe only offer chat with two people or timed sessions like 60 minutes, log out, and log in again. It would be a hassle, but it would’ve been way more accessible. The best scenario would be to remove the price tag altogether or, in this case, remove the Nintendo Online requirement. Alas, that was not the case.
Regardless, when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, two things will either happen: a) people will continue using Discord for their normal gaming sessions like they’ve done ever since the Nintendo Switch launched, and, b) those who are Nintendo Online members will surely use GameChat, assuming the connectivity and noise cancellation features are as top-notch as the trailer claims. In any case, we’ll have to wait until June 5 to see if this addition is worth using or if we should stick to the one gaming communication platform we’ve used for years.
