How to use voice chat on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo's Switch 2 launch brings a big change to how players talk while gaming online. The company has decided to build voice chat right into the console moving away from separate apps or outside services.

Their new GameChat setup, along with a well-placed button on the controller and a built-in mic, shakes up the way gamers connect when playing together online.

Presenting the {C} Button: GameChat Within Reach

The core of Nintendo Switch 2's voice chat system is the new {C} button now found on updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Pro Controller 2, and even a redesigned GameCube-style controller. One press lets players jump straight into a GameChat session making in-game talk as easy as hitting "start."After activation, GameChat lets you create private chat groups with friends already on your Nintendo friends list. You need to start chats with friends, but joining a group where you're already invited doesn't mean you have to know everyone in it—a nice option for bigger gaming teams.

Built-In Mic, Clever Audio

Another key feature of the Switch 2's voice system is its built-in microphone—right on the console. The mic adjusts to your surroundings whether you're in handheld, tabletop, or docked mode.

Using the Nintendo Switch Online App: Still an Option

The GameChat system built into the Switch 2 marks a big step forward, but Nintendo hasn't given up on its Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. This add-on still lets you talk in certain games and plays a key role in some multiplayer modes.

Steps to use:

The Future of Nintendo Communication

Nintendo's GameChat feature represents its most user-friendly approach to voice chat so far. It focuses on simplicity, easy access, and improved hardware integration, while still providing familiar app-based choices for those who like them. The Nintendo Switch 2 makes voice chat as easy to use as the gameplay itself, whether you're working with your team in Splatoon or hanging out with friends in Animal Crossing.