- Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat requires a phone number to use
- This will probably help prevent children from accessing the service without permission
- It offers voice call out of the box or video call with the optional Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessories
The Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat feature requires a mobile phone number to be used.
As stained by NoteBookcheck, this was revealed on ‘Ask the Developer Vol. 17, GameChat – Chapter 1 ‘Interview on the Nintendo Web site.
“Registration of mobile phone number required to use GameChat. Children must get approval from a parent or guardian via Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to use GameChat,” reads a small message against the top of the page.
The US Gamechat section on the site is expanding a little further, explaining that “as an additional security measure is required text message verification to create GameChat.”
This is the same phone number that is registered in your Nintendo account. Presumably those prohibited from using GameChat for bad behavior would not be able to use the same phone number to access it on another account.
The requirement is also probably intended to help prevent children from accessing the service without custody, which is required for those who are under 16 years of age. Children who young people have unlikely to have access to a mobile phone, which potentially facilitates some parents’ concerns that GameChat could be used to communicate with strangers online.
Although it can be used via the console’s built -in microphone, GameChat is also compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessories. SOLD SEPARATE gives the Nintendo Switch 2 camera option for video chat functionality.
You are only able to start Gamechat sessions with people on your Nintendo Friends List, which should be invited to the session.
Nintendo Switch 2 will be launched globally on June 5th. UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are now live.
