When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 earlier this year and revealed its new GameChat feature, one of the key elements to making that whole thing work was a new webcam for the console. Plugged directly into the console via USB-C, the camera wasn’t anything special and didn’t require any additional hardware beyond the Switch 2’s USB-C port. For all intents and purposes, it was a standard PC webcam that is likely compatible with Windows. Many speculated that the reverse would be the same, and if these early reports are to go by, that seems to be the case.
USB webcams that work with Switch 2 (so far)
Over on Reddit, some users have noted that plugging in a generic USB webcam actually does work for Switch 2’s GameChat. Extensive testing hasn’t been done, but a cheap Amazon Basics webcam is compatible, Logitech’s excellent C920 camera works, and some Lifecam 720p and 1080p cameras are also compatible. Funnily enough, a random endoscopy camera is also compatible, so I suppose if you happen to be heading to a doctor’s appointment after a GameChat session, you can let them snake your colon with the same camera you just used to chat with friends.
Some webcams don’t work with Switch 2
Now, Nintendo’s official camera comes with a USB-C connector on the end, so it plugs directly into the console itself. Something like the Logitech C920 is USB-A and would need to be plugged into the dock to be used. This means you couldn’t use the camera in portable mode, though it’s likely that a USB-A to USB-C converter would solve that. Not every camera is compatible though, as some get recognized but do not work. Logitech’s Brio 4K cameras are also apparently not compatible, meaning the Switch 2 likely can’t interface with camera resolutions above 1080p.
Still, if you happen to have an old webcam lying around and don’t want to shell out extra cash for Nintendo’s model, it’s entirely possible that device is compatible with the Switch 2.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
