Summary
- GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2 requires users to register a phone number for security purposes.
- GameChat allows audio and video calls with friends, also offering text-to-speech and other features.
- Nintendo will be able to record audio and video from GameChat sessions in three-minute increments.
Using GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2 will require users to register a unique phone number with Nintendo, according to the terms and agreements for the upcoming feature. The phone number requirement to use GameChat on the Switch 2 is a security measure likely intended to protect children who play games online and prevent GameChat from being used for ill purposes.
GameChat is one of the Switch 2's key features, which allows users to host and join audio and video calls with their friends from their consoles. GameChat can be accessed by pressing the C button on the Switch 2's Joy-Con or Pro Controller, or by selecting GameChat from the Switch 2's home menu. Once in a GameChat call, Switch 2 users can also access features like text-to-speech and live subtitles to make it easier to communicate with their friends. GameChat will be free to all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, after which it will require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Xbox Games Reportedly Coming to the Nintendo Switch 2
According to reports, Microsoft is considering putting Xbox titles on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 system as part of its multiplatform approach.
However, before entering a GameChat session with the C button, Nintendo users will have to take an additional step beforehand. As reported by VideoGamer, Nintendo's terms and agreements for GameChat stated that Switch 2 users have to register a unique phone number with their Nintendo Accounts to use GameChat. This restriction is likely in place to protect children online and comply with various child safety laws across the globe. For example, if Nintendo detects that a malicious user is abusing GameChat, the company can block that account and phone number from being used for its services. Users who have not registered a phone number can do so by logging into their Nintendo Account from a web browser. From there, users can change their Nintendo Account settings and add both a phone number and two-factor authentication.
GameChat Requires Switch 2 Users To Add A Phone Number
- Nintendo states that Switch 2 users must add a phone number to their accounts to use GameChat.
- The statement comes from Nintendo's updated user terms and agreements ahead of the Switch 2's launch.
- GameChat allows users to join and host audio and video calls with their friends.
- The phone number restriction is likely done to comply with child safety laws.
Nintendo has previously confirmed that the company can record audio and video from GameChat sessions in three-minute increments to keep players safe and secure from bad actors. Additionally, GameChat session hosts can only invite contacts on their friends list to the call, which is a measure to prevent random users from interrupting.
The company stated that children must also get approval from a parent or guardian via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to use GameChat. Given Nintendo's long-standing reputation as a company that creates games intended for children and their parents to play together, it remains to be seen how effective the GameChat phone number requirement will be in deterring bad actors.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Storage
- 256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- App Store
- Nintendo eShop
- Wi-Fi
- Yes