Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Now Requires Phone Number Verification

When setting up the GameChat feature on the Nintendo Switch 2, users will need to provide a phone number for verification. This feature, integrated into all Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, is highlighted as a significant addition to the system. To get started with GameChat, you'll need to submit a phone number to Nintendo, or if you've already linked one, use the number associated with your Nintendo Account. Following this, Nintendo will send a text message to that number, effectively linking your GameChat activities to it. Remember, your behavior on GameChat is now tied to your phone number!

For those under 16, GameChat will initially be blocked. A parent or guardian must enable it through the Parental Controls app on their smart device, and they too will need to verify their identity with a phone number via text message.

According to information spotted by Eurogamer on Nintendo's website, it seems that every Nintendo Account holder will need to follow this verification process when using a Switch 2, even if the console is shared. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for clarification on this requirement.

To access GameChat during gameplay, simply press the 'C' button on the Switch 2's controllers. This allows up to four players to engage in video chat, or up to 24 players to join an audio call. During a video call, users can broadcast themselves using a separately sold camera peripheral and stream their gameplay. This marks Nintendo's first foray into this type of service, aiming to catch up with other console manufacturers in terms of online features.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Last week, Digital Foundry unveiled the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting that the GameChat feature significantly impacts system resources. Developers are reportedly concerned about this, as Nintendo provides a testing tool that simulates the API latency and L3 cache misses associated with GameChat. This tool allows developers to test the system's performance without needing an active GameChat session.

Digital Foundry raised questions about whether GameChat could affect game performance for end users. Ideally, if GameChat resources are managed within the system's allocation, there should be no difference in performance. However, the provision of GameChat emulation tools suggests there might be a performance impact that developers need to account for. As Digital Foundry noted, "We'll be interested to see how GameChat may (or may not) impact game performance as this does seem to be an area of developer concern." We'll get a clearer picture once the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

Remember, GameChat will be free to use for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's release. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using the feature.

Earlier this week, we saw the first glimpse of a Switch 2 game cartridge and heard rumors that Samsung is eager to supply OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.