Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Now Requires Phone Number Verification

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a new video calling feature integrated into every console, highlighted as a pivotal element of the system. However, setting up GameChat requires users to verify their identity by providing a phone number to Nintendo. If you've already linked a number to your Nintendo Account, you can use that; otherwise, you'll need to input a new one. Once provided, Nintendo will send a text message to that number, effectively linking your GameChat activity to it. This measure encourages responsible use of the feature.

For users under 16, GameChat remains inaccessible until a parent or guardian grants permission through the Parental Controls app on a smart device. The adult must also provide their phone number for verification via text message. According to information found on Nintendo's website, as noted by Eurogamer, this verification process applies to all Nintendo Account holders on the Switch 2, even for shared devices. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further clarification on this policy.

Activating GameChat is straightforward—press the 'C' button on the console's controllers to start a session. This allows up to four players to video chat or up to 24 to join an audio call. During a video call, players can use a separately sold camera peripheral to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay. This marks Nintendo's first foray into such a service, aiming to catch up with other console manufacturers in the realm of online features.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Last week, Digital Foundry unveiled the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting potential concerns about GameChat's impact on system resources. Developers are provided with a GameChat testing tool that simulates API latency and L3 cache misses to prepare for real-world scenarios. This tool helps developers test without the need for active GameChat sessions.

There's uncertainty about whether GameChat affects game performance when active. Ideally, if GameChat resources are allocated within the system's capacity, there should be no impact. However, the existence of GameChat emulation tools suggests some level of performance hit that developers need to account for. As Digital Foundry noted, "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 true impact will only be clear when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be free for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's release. Post-March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using GameChat.

This week, we've seen the first look at a Switch 2 game cartridge, and there's buzz that Samsung is interested in supplying OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.