(Credit: Nintendo)
The Nintendo Switch 2 brings with it new chat features that allow you to better communicate with friends and other players online while you’re gaming. These include using a webcam so other gamers can see you or so you can appear in select games. However, you may not need to buy the new Nintendo camera to do this.
If you own an iPhone, the Switch 2 can connect to the smartphone's camera using an HDMI to USB-C cable with an HDMI capture cable, according to YouTuber Niles Mitchell.
It takes a bit of work to set this up, but Mitchell found that the cables cost around $30, compared with the $54.99 it costs to buy the Switch 2 Camera. No one has reported testing with an Android phone yet, but it may work similarly across all USB-C devices.
Nintendo allows third-party USB-C webcams to work with the Switch 2. "You may be able to use a USB-C camera accessory you already own. However, not all cameras may work as intended," it says in marketing materials.
The problem here is knowing when a product will work; Nintendo says the only way to know for certain is to test it yourself. "You can easily check compatibility using the Test USB Camera feature located in the Nintendo Switch 2 system settings.”
PCMag’s Jordan Minor bought the cheapest generic webcam he could find on Amazon and has found it worked with minimal effort to set up. He notes in his time with the camera that the angle isn't as wide as Nintendo's official option, but otherwise it seems to work well.
The team at The Verge has been testing multiple cameras, and a thread of reports on Reddit suggests that not all USB-C cameras are compatible. Some examples of cameras that aren't working include the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Elgato Facecam, HP 4310, Insta360 Link, Logitech Brio 4K, and multiple Sony cameras, including ones designed for the PlayStation.
The same sources say the Logitech C920, Logitech C930e, and Razer Kiyo all work. If you want guaranteed support, go with Nintendo's camera, which includes a Piranha Plant-themed version at some retailers. If you want to save money, you may want to use your iPhone instead.