Bizarre New Switch 2 Game Shadow Drop Uses an Unpopular…

Chillin' by the Fire, a new cozy fire-building simulator from developer Oink Games, gives one of the Nintendo Switch 2's most unpopular accessories a new purpose. Releasing almost immediately for the Nintendo Switch 2 after being announced on July 31, the most social aspect of the cozy game requires players to make use of the console's USB camera.

Just one of many games announced at the July 31 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, Chillin' by the Fire stood out from the crowd of fantasy RPGs, revivals of old classics, and ports of games that have gained popularity on other platforms by showcasing its relaxed nature and serene beach-side setting. It's also the only freshly announced new game in the showcase to be available almost immediately, as it shadow-drops the same day.

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By Justin Skiles

The simplistic gameplay has players building their own campfires, making sure to use the appropriate wood and let enough oxygen get through. But one aspect of Chillin' by the Fire that may really turn heads is its reliance on the Nintendo Switch 2-compatible USB camera for its social functions. As shown in the trailer, players can chat with each other around the virtual campfire in real time, provided that they all have camera accessories of their own. In-game footage shows four different people playing simultaneously, all with different campfires of their own, and circular discs floating above each fire show video of their faces in addition to displaying their current levels. The game also appears to feature a text chat option for multiplayer use, as selectable conversation topics are displayed in white text on the left side of the screen in one shot.

Chillin' by the Fire Gives the Switch 2 Camera a New Purpose

While the popularity of Chillin' by the Fire is still untested, it could prove a boon for Nintendo's failed attempts to market an external camera for the company's newest hybrid console. Financial reports show that the $55 accessory has been a flop for Nintendo. Circana US's report from about a week ago doesn't get into exact numbers regarding the Switch 2 camera's sales figures, but it reports that only a "mid-single digit percentage" of Switch 2 owners have also ponied up the cash for the official camera peripheral.

Those low sales could negatively affect Chillin' by the Fire, but there is still hope for the cozy game, and it's related to a likely reason for the official camera's poor sales performance. The Nintendo Switch 2 is already compatible with a number of other third-party cameras, many of which can be acquired at lower prices than what Nintendo is offering. Additionally, those without any USB camera to attach to their Switch 2 have another option, as testing from fans has shown that they can hook their cell phones to the console's USB port using two relatively cheap and easy-to-find cables.

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