Gaming is often a social activity, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is surprisingly well-suited for playing with friends. Its ability to be used both on the go and at home, combined with the GameShare feature letting players enjoy games with friends who don’t own them, makes it a great choice for social gamers. However, one potentially helpful feature for cooperative play seems to have been overlooked.
With the growing popularity of games like Split Fiction, Reanimal, and the revamped Overwatch, online connections are more important than ever for gamers. The upcoming Switch 2 will offer even more ways to play with friends, including the survival game Valheim and the new title Oribtals. While Discord is currently the most popular app for gamers to connect, the Switch 2’s GameChat feature could become the new go-to place for chatting while playing on the console.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Could Be a Great Discord Alternative
GameChat, a new feature on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, was first shown during a presentation last summer. It lets players use the “C” button on their Joy-Con 2 controllers to open the app and connect with up to 12 friends for voice and video chat while playing games. Some Nintendo fans didn’t think much of this feature, considering popular apps like Discord already exist. However, recent issues with Discord’s age verification process could make GameChat a very useful alternative for Switch 2 owners.
To use voice chat (GameChat) on the Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a webcam. Nintendo even created a dedicated webcam, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, to work perfectly with this feature.
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Why Some Gamers Are Ditching Discord in 2026
Discord recently faced backlash after announcing it would require photo ID or facial scans to confirm users’ ages. Initially, some users were set to a “teen” account by default, limiting their access until verification. While Discord has since clarified that most users won’t be affected, the announcement still caused concern, and some are now switching to platforms like TeamSpeak as alternatives.
Switch 2 Owners Who Slept On GameChat at Launch May Want to Give it Another Look
Following the recent issues with Discord’s age verification, Nintendo’s GameChat feature for the Switch 2 is gaining more attention. When the Switch 2 launched almost a year ago, GameChat seemed unnecessary with Discord available. But now, for Nintendo fans seeking an alternative to Discord, a good option is already built-in. While GameChat doesn’t allow text-based channels like Discord, it offers audio and video calls with screen sharing – making it a strong substitute for Discord users who frequently use those features.
GameChat offers features not found in Discord, specifically designed to improve the experience in some Nintendo games. For example, Super Mario Party Jamboree — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition uses the camera to display players’ faces during mini-games, and Mario Kart World uses it to identify racers. GameChat also has a GameShare function, letting players share compatible games with friends who don’t own them. While not flawless, Nintendo fans considering leaving Discord should definitely give GameChat a look.
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2026-02-19 04:34