Previous to the Switch 2’s official unveiling, one of many largest unanswered questions concerning the console was what the heck the C button was for. Now we all know it is for the console’s new GameChat characteristic. We not too long ago had an opportunity to ask Nintendo senior director Takuhiro Dohta a query concerning the button, and we have additionally discovered what occurs if you press it and do not have a Nintendo Switch On-line membership.
For the reason that C button is used to connect with an internet service, we requested Dohta what occurs in the event you press the button and your console isn’t linked to the web. He did not inform us precisely what occurs, however he confirmed it will not do something… dangerous.
“Sorry, I am unable to get into the small print of what precisely pops up or reveals up if you press the button [when you’re not online], however simply relaxation assured nothing dangerous’s going to occur,” he mentioned.
It is good to know urgent the C button if you’re offline will not do something dangerous, however what’s going to truly occur in the event you press it if you’re offline? Time will inform. However we now do know what occurs in the event you press the button and do not have a Nintendo Switch On-line membership.
Nintendo Switch 2 – Official System Overview Trailer
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C Button Is Tied To NSO Subscription
GameChat is a free service for all Switch 2 house owners, however solely till March 31, 2026. After this, gamers will want a Nintendo Switch On-line membership to make use of GameChat. Anybody who isn’t subscribed to NSO and presses this button from April 1, 2026 onwards will likely be directed to a web page with particulars on how to join NSO, Nintendo’s Invoice Trinen informed Polygon.
GameChat requires a NSO subscription as a result of it is a part of the “general platform expertise,” Trinen mentioned, including that NSO is a “actually vital piece of the Nintendo Switch 2 expertise.”
Trinen informed IGN that the thought for GameChat was to create a service that replicates the expertise of being in the identical room, on the identical sofa, enjoying video games together–except over the web through video or voice chat.
“And so for us, GameChat is why it is so vital is the mix of having the ability to see their faces, having the ability to see what they’re doing from a gameplay perspective and having the ability to really feel such as you’ve lastly received a digital house the place you’ll be able to have those self same experiences that you simply might need in your lounge,” he mentioned. “In order that’s why with the facility of, I might say Switch 2, having the ability to lastly execute that has been an enormous focus for us.”
The Switch 2 has a built-in microphone that can be utilized to speak with associates, whereas gamers can join a USB-C digital camera to speak over video. Nintendo is promoting a 1080p digital camera for $50, whereas Hori has a Piranha Plant digital camera for much less, and it additionally has worse video high quality.
Nintendo has additionally taken steps to assist make sure the GameChat characteristic is protected for youngsters. Moreover, Nintendo addressed considerations that the Switch 2 digital camera will spy on you.
Switch 2 preorders have been anticipated to start within the US on April 9, however Nintendo delayed preorders as a consequence of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. It stays to be seen when preorders would possibly open, and lots of imagine Nintendo goes to boost costs.