Nintendo Switch 2’s Piranha Plant Camera: 480p Resolution Flub Interferes With Gaming Fun

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Summary

  • Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera for the Switch 2 has 480p resolution, much lower than the official camera’s 1080p.
  • Despite lower resolution, Hori’s camera is cheaper and may suffice for Switch 2 online features like GameChat.
  • Fans criticized Hori for the lower resolution, saying unique appearance isn’t enough to justify lacking technical capabilities.

As a thrilled enthusiast eagerly awaiting the Nintendo Switch 2, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed upon learning that Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera for the upcoming console may not deliver the same high-quality resolution as the standard Switch 2 camera. Given that Nintendo is set to unveil the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025—a whopping eight years after the initial launch of the original Switch—it’s essential for accessory makers like Hori to ensure their products align with the expectations of fans like myself.

The anticipated launch date for the Switch 2 has been set, signaling that the next phase of Nintendo hardware is just steps away. Despite potential disruptions in pricing and availability due to ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and many other countries, a large number of eager Nintendo enthusiasts are already planning to upgrade to the Switch 2 shortly. Furthermore, numerous peripheral manufacturers will offer a variety of accessories for those who decide to purchase a Switch 2, in addition to official Nintendo-branded items.

One option is describing the Hori Piranha Plant Switch 2 Camera attachment like this: This is one of the accessories, resembling the iconic enemy from Super Mario Bros., sold by Hori. Regrettably, despite its distinctive design, it only records and streams at a resolution of 480p (640 x 480), which is substantially lower compared to even entry-level office webcams or the official Switch 2 camera attachment that offers a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080).

Hori Pirhana Plant Switch 2 Camera Has Just 480p Resolution

Even though it has low resolution, it might still be sufficient for its intended use. Nintendo seems to focus more on online aspects, like GameChat, in the Switch 2, a feature enabling real-time voice and video sharing with other players. High definition camera feeds aren’t essential just to show one’s face during video calls, which could make the argument for purchasing Hori’s Pirhana Plant camera more convincing. Additionally, Hori’s camera is less expensive compared to the official Nintendo-branded version, making it a more attractive option for fans who are already concerned about the cost of the Switch 2 hardware and games.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t hide my disappointment when hearing about the backlash towards Hori’s Piranha Plant camera. Fans, including myself, are voicing concerns over its lack of capabilities, especially given its unique design. Even at a lower price point, the low resolution just doesn’t seem to cut it for many.

Some argue that it might be enough to make the new camera-based Super Mario Party Jamboree gimmicks work, but for those of us looking to stream or communicate effortlessly from our Switch 2s, it seems like a tough sell.

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2025-04-08 18:05