Switch 2 's voice chat system , will require a paid subscription starting in 2026. The company has tied access to GameChat to the new controller's C button, making it free to use until March 31, 2026. After that, only Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscribers will have access to the feature. Nintendo itself announced the move and detailed the plans in an interview with Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America's vice president of product, with Polygon.
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Exclusive button will depend on online subscription
GameChat will work 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 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 doesn't have an NSO subscription. The C button, created exclusively for this purpose, cannot be remapped to another function. This means that, without the subscription, the controller will have a useless button.
Trinen justified the decision by stating that GameChat is part of the new console's "complete experience." He said the online service will be essential for accessing other platform benefits, such as remastered older games and free updates for titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
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 make the new GameCube controller available exclusively to Switch Online subscribers, allowing its use only on an initial selection of classic platform titles.
Already confirmed titles include The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, SoulCalibur 2, and F-Zero GX. All are expected to receive graphical and performance improvements, but they won't be available to anyone who doesn't subscribe to Nintendo's service. Additionally, the company has restricted access to GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription platform.
Nintendo will sell the controller for $64.99—about R$400—with an improved vibration system and the C button dedicated to GameChat as its main differentiators. However, its limited use is likely to limit the accessory's adoption among casual gamers.
Old 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 alienate some audiences. Unlike the themed controllers of the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64, which were more widely used, 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. Limiting the accessory's use may generate resistance, especially considering its price and the lack of compatible games at launch.
Additionally, the need for a subscription to access features like GameChat and classic games raises questions about the Switch 2's accessibility and value for money for new users.
Nintendo bets on paid service as the axis of the Switch 2
Nintendo Switch Online has been solidifying itself as a central piece of the company's digital strategy. Therefore, requiring a subscription to access the console's basic features is another step in this business model.
The promise of exclusive benefits, such as retro games and enhancements to previously released titles, indicates the company's intention to increase the service's added value. Nintendo imposed a fee for GameChat, creating an artificial limitation compared to competitors like PlayStation and Xbox, which offer similar features at no additional cost.
