The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera may not be for all Switch 2 owners

Like most other new console releases, the Nintendo Switch 2 hits stores with an ensemble of new accessories to use with it. Most Switch 2 owners will be grabbing items like cases, screen protectors, and possibly a Switch 2 Pro Controller at some point. But there are a few other accessories for Nintendo's newest console that have garnered curiosity from many people, for one reason or another. One such accessory is the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which was available at the console's launch.

The intent of the Switch 2 Camera is for players to put themselves on video during GameChat calls while using the Nintendo Switch 2. If someone is playing games like Mario Kart World or classics through the Switch Online service, they'll be able to talk with those on their Friend List who join the lobby. But is this a must-own accessory for anyone to get the most out of their Nintendo Switch 2? For the price of a brand-new Switch game, some people may not think it's worth picking up on such a limited application. Here are my launch window impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for those who have their curiosity piqued about it.

Video conference with GameChat

What this thing was made for

The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has one main use with the console: video chats with other players on your Friend List. This is done through the console's GameChat feature, where you can invite players to join you in playing or navigate the Switch 2 menus. As of the launch of the console, there's nothing else that it can be used for within games or other applications. But does the camera accomplish its job well? As a basic camera for video calls, the Switch 2 Camera works out well. The view of the camera can see a wide area and has a high-sensitivity image sensor, so if you sit a distance away from your TV or where the camera is positioned next to the Switch 2, it can pick you up. The camera also has a built-in privacy shutter that is hardly noticeable, but can be turned to close the lens and block its view. It's a simple thing that's nice to have. I was able to set up a GameChat room pretty easily and immediately get the camera working once plugged into the top input of the Switch 2. I did this while the Switch 2 was docked, as well as when using portable mode with the kickstand.

The quality of the video displayed when the camera is connected is 1080p, meaning others can see you in high definition when you're chatting with them. And the quality remains at a consistent display quality while playing games or switching between applications, including when you're jumping between the menus and the eShop. During a GameChat call, there's a limited number of options that change what is displayed. By default, the camera has a background filter for whatever is in its field of view, clipping out everything around you and only showing the person in front of it. This can be changed to remove the filter entirely and just display what the Switch 2 Camera sees, or have it focus on just your face. When using that option, I didn't find the camera to be too accurate when focusing only on my face, which was often due to objects in the background behind me. When there's a solid background behind you, this option works out better, but it's more trouble than it's worth for most people to use often.

No options beyond the basic

It's barren out here

There's not much to customize when using the camera on the console. Even in the system options on the Nintendo Switch 2, there's hardly anything for the camera itself outside of testing to see that it works. I was disappointed at how meager the options are when you have the camera connected. When using the transparent filter for the background, there are no options to have an image displayed in the blank space background, and not even screen captures are saved onto the console. It's as bare-bones as you might think.

Hopefully, in time, new updates for Switch 2 can enable more customization for things like this, even if it's at a low level where you can display Nintendo-selected background images. Something as basic as character or franchise-themed images that would liven up what one displays while in GameChat. Maybe some connection between Nintendo Switch Online, or the revamped rewards program replacing My Nintendo Rewards, can be implemented to reward Switch 2 owners for getting the camera.

Is it worth getting now?

This may not be for everybody

The cold, hard truth about the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is that it feels unnecessary at the moment. Even at the launch of the console, it doesn't feel like much thought went into its use with the Switch 2 beyond the basics. It's a camera to show yourself to others on GameChat, nothing more or less. But even then, that feels incredibly limited and stifling. The GameChat feature can be used without connecting the camera, so you aren't locked out by not having one if you just want to talk to others while playing games.

As an accessory that costs $54.99 at most retail outlets, I should be able to do more with it, or at least have features that are interesting for me to utilize. There's room for future updates to the Switch 2 system software to build upon this, but not having anything at launch seems like a missed opportunity. What makes this all the more disappointing is how the same functionality with GameChat can be done with other third-party cameras that can connect to the Switch 2 via USB-C. So it becomes harder to justify picking up the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera for the console when the limited functionality is all there is for now. You might as well use another camera that can connect to it for now, at least until more things change over time.

Waiting it out for now

While the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a neat accessory, there's just not much to do with it at the current moment. I cannot recommend Nintendo Switch 2 owners pick this up when there are better options to enjoy with their new console right now. The resolution of the camera is great, along with a few small features and quick set-up, but the limited application of it makes this a hard sell for anyone. Until Nintendo gives their players a reason for this camera to be a necessary addition to their Switch 2, there's almost no reason to rush to get it. Maybe in the coming months something will change, or maybe not.