If you’re looking forward to the Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat feature but haven’t snagged a camera yet, there are now three official USB-C cameras to choose from. Nintendo’s first-party Switch 2 Camera has sold out multiple times since preorders opened last month, but you can preorder the $55 accessory at a few different retailers at the moment.
Alternatively, Hori’s upcoming lineup of officially licensed Nintendo Switch 2 accessories includes two unique cameras. One of them doubles as an adorable Super Mario Piranha Plant decoration, while the other Hori USB Camera is a portable-minded option for TV, handheld, and tabletop modes.
It’s worth noting that the Switch 2 will support select third-party USB-C cameras, including existing cameras not technically designed for Switch 2. Nintendo will offer a “Test USB Camera” feature in the system settings so you can check if your device is supported.
$55 | Releases June 5
The official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has a 1080p resolution lens and connects to the console via USB-C. Designed with the Switch 2’s GameChat feature in mind, the sleek camera features an adjustable lens that can be tilted to different angles. It can capture small areas with one or two people in the frame as well as larger rooms with wide view.
The official camera can be activated with the the new C menu button on the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Joy-Con 2, and officially licensed third-party controllers like the Horipad Turbo and PowerA Super Mario-themed controllers. The C button activates GameChat, though the video portion of the new communication suite is optional.
With GameChat, you can talk to friends using the Switch 2’s built-in mics, share your gameplay, and video chat (provided you have a camera).
Camera-based gameplay features will also be available in select games, including Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV.
$60 | Releases June 11
Hori’s Piranha Plant Camera makes for a very cute display piece for Super Mario fans. It even has the Switch 2 logo on the warp pipe. But there is a rather big downside to this officially licensed camera: It only supports 480p resolution, so it’s substantially worse from a technical perspective compared to the camera made by Nintendo.
If you mainly want this because it’d double as a cool decoration, it’s worth noting that the Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant is available for $48 (was $60) at Amazon.
Speaking of Amazon: The reason Amazon is carrying the Piranha Plant Camera is because it’s manufactured by Hori. Amazon still sells officially licensed third-party Nintendo accessories, but not first-party accessories. That’s why you won’t find the official Switch 2 Camera at Amazon.
$60 | Releases June 30
While Amazon is sold out of preorders for the Piranha Plant Camera, the other Hori camera is still available to buy at Amazon and Best Buy. Like the Piranha Plant Camera, Hori’s compact Switch 2 USB Camera is limited to 480p resolution.
So, why would you want this $60 camera over the official one? It certainly doesn’t have the visual flair of the Piranha Plant Camera, but it has its own potentially appealing focus: portability. This tiny USB-C camera can be used when the Switch 2 is docked as well as in handheld and tabletop modes. In handheld and tabletop modes, the camera essentially becomes a dongle, so it’ll look like a webcam attached to a laptop. It also has a removable privacy lens cover.
The first-party Nintendo camera also supports tabletop and handheld. modes, but it’s clearly not as friendly from a travel perspective. You’ll either need to hold it or place it on a flat surface, which could be inconvenient in certain situations. Due to its long neck, you probably wouldn’t want to toss Nintendo’s camera in a backpack.
For more Switch 2 gear, check out our roundup of all of the first-party accessories slated to launch alongside the new console on June 5. We also have a list of all of the Nintendo Switch 2 games you can preorder now.
