Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Now Requires Phone Verification

Nintendo Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a built-in video calling feature that enhances the social aspect of gaming. To use GameChat, users must verify their identity by providing a phone number to Nintendo. If your phone number is already linked to your Nintendo Account, you can use that for verification. After submitting your number, Nintendo will send a text message to confirm, linking your GameChat activities to that phone number. Remember to keep your behavior in check!

For users under 16, GameChat remains blocked until a parent or guardian grants permission through the Parental Controls app on their smart device. The guardian must also provide their phone number for text message verification. According to information found by Eurogamer on Nintendo's website, it seems every Nintendo Account holder will need to follow this process when using a Switch 2, even if the console is shared. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for clarification on this requirement.

Accessing GameChat is straightforward; just press the 'C' button on your Switch 2 controller during gameplay. This feature allows up to four players to video chat simultaneously or 24 to join an audio call. Within a video call, players can use a camera peripheral (sold separately) to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay. This marks Nintendo's first foray into this type of service, positioning the Switch 2 ahead of its previous offerings in online capabilities.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Recent insights from Digital Foundry shed light on the technical aspects of GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2. They revealed that the feature has a notable impact on system resources, causing concern among developers. Nintendo offers a GameChat testing tool to simulate API latency and L3 cache misses, allowing developers to test without needing active GameChat sessions. This suggests that GameChat might affect game performance, though the exact impact remains uncertain until the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be free for the first 10 months following the Switch 2's release. After March 31, 2026, using GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

This week, we've also seen the first look at a Switch 2 game cartridge and heard rumors that Samsung is interested in supplying OLED screens for potential future upgrades of the Switch 2.