Switch 2 's voice chat system , will require a paid subscription starting in 2026. The company has linked access to GameChat to the C button on the new controller, offering free use only until March 31, 2026. After that period, only Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscribers will have access to the feature. Nintendo itself announced the measure and detailed the plans in an interview with Bill Trinen, vice president of product at Nintendo of America, on the Polygon website.
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Exclusive button will depend on online subscription
GameChat will function similarly to Discord, allowing voice and video communication between players. Nintendo will integrate GameChat into the console with microphone and camera support — sold separately — and will allow players to share their screen during matches.
Despite being an important new feature for the Switch 2, the system will be inactive if the player does not have an NSO subscription. The C button, created exclusively for this use, cannot be remapped to another function. This means that, without the subscription, the controller will have a button that is unusable.
Trinen justified the decision by stating that GameChat is part of the "complete experience" of the new console. According to him, the online service will be essential to access other advantages of the platform, such as remastered older games and free updates for titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
The GameCube controller has limited use on the new console
Another point that caused frustration among fans was the announcement of restrictions related to the new GameCube controller. Nintendo will exclusively allocate the new GameCube controller to Switch Online subscribers, allowing its use only with an initial selection of titles for the classic platform.
Among the titles already confirmed are The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, SoulCalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. All are expected to receive graphical and performance improvements, but will not be available to those who do not subscribe to Nintendo's service. Furthermore, the company has restricted access to GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription platform.
Nintendo will sell the controller for US$64.99 — about R$400 — with an improved vibration system and a dedicated C button for GameChat as its main differentiating features. However, its limited use is expected to restrict adoption of the accessory among casual gamers.
Vintage consoles and nostalgia in focus
Nintendo's strategy for the Switch 2 reinforces its nostalgic appeal, focusing on content from previous generations. Access to GameCube games should be one of the new console's strengths, but the cost involved may deter some of the audience. Unlike the themed controllers for NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64, which had wider use, the new model will be limited to a few titles.
This decision primarily impacts fans of competitive games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, who are still active in the community. The limitation on the accessory's use may generate resistance, especially considering the price and the lack of compatible games at launch.
Furthermore, the requirement for a subscription to access features like GameChat and classic games raises questions about the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of the Switch 2 for new users.
Nintendo bets on paid service as the core of the Switch 2
Nintendo Switch Online is becoming a central part of the company's digital strategy. Therefore, requiring a subscription to access basic console features is another step in this business model.
The promise of exclusive perks, such as retro games and enhancements for previously released titles, indicates that the company intends to increase the added value of the service. Nintendo imposed a charge for GameChat, creating an artificial limitation compared to competitors like PlayStation and Xbox, which offer similar features at no additional cost.
