The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a new feature integrated into all consoles, designed to enhance the social gaming experience. However, setting up GameChat requires users to verify their identity by providing a phone number. If you've already linked a number to your Nintendo Account, you can use that; otherwise, you'll need to input a new one. After submitting your phone number, Nintendo will send a verification text message, linking your GameChat activity to that number. This step is crucial, so remember to keep your behavior in check!

For younger gamers, if you're under 16, GameChat will be initially blocked. A parent or guardian must enable this feature through the Parental Controls app on their smart device, and they too will need to verify their phone number via text message.

According to information found on Nintendo's website, as reported by Eurogamer, it appears that every user with a Nintendo Account will need to go through this verification process when playing on a Switch 2, even if the console is shared. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further clarification on this matter.

To access GameChat during gameplay, simply press the 'C' button on the Switch 2's controllers. This allows up to four players to engage in a video chat, or up to 24 to join a group audio call. Within a video call, players can use a camera peripheral (available separately) to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay. This marks the first time Nintendo has provided such a service, putting them on par with other console makers in terms of online features.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Recently, Digital Foundry disclosed the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting concerns about the impact of GameChat on system resources. They noted that developers are provided with a GameChat testing tool that simulates API latency and L3 cache misses, allowing them to test game performance without an active GameChat session. This raises questions about whether GameChat affects game performance for end users. If GameChat uses resources within the system allocation, it shouldn't matter. However, the provision of emulation tools suggests a potential performance impact that developers need to consider.

Digital Foundry expressed curiosity about the real-world effects of GameChat on game performance, stating, "We'll be interested to see how GameChat may (or may not) impact game performance as this does seem to be an area of developer concern." The full impact won't be clear until the Switch 2's release on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be free to use for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's launch. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using this feature.

In other news, we've seen the first look at a Switch 2 game cartridge, and there are reports that Samsung is interested in providing OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.