The GameChat function on Nintendo’s Switch 2 will include a couple of very welcome accessibility features to make it easier for players to communicate.
Both text-to-speech and live captions will be included, as shown in new videos on social media (thanks, OatmealDome).
The former means players will be able to type messages on a virtual keyboard which are then read by the system. The original Switch does support USB keyboards, but it’s unconfirmed if the new console will too.
As for live captions, the console is able to transcribe speech into a chat box at the side of the screen during GameChat.
[Switch 2]
GameChat supports text-to-speech. If enabled, you can type in text and the system will read it for you.
While not explicitly confirmed, USB keyboards should be supported too (the Switch 1 already supports them for text input).
— OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) 16 May 2025 at 16:49
[Switch 2]
GameChat supports live subtitles. The system can transcribe what everyone is saying and display it in a “chat box” on screen.
— OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) 17 May 2025 at 17:00
GameChat is the feature behind the Switch 2’s C button, which allows multiple players to chat together while playing games.
The Switch 2 has a microphone built into the console, while the separate camera will allow for video chat too.
Up to 12 players can join for voice chat, while four players can share their screens together as part of video chat.
GameChat will be available for free until 31st March next year, at which point it will require a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
As per its revised privacy policy, Nintendo is able to record video and voice chats stored on your console for a limited time, if you give consent. This is to ensure a “safe and family-friendly online environment”, with footage only reviewed as part of its user-report system.
