Switch 2 GameChat Now Requires Phone Number Verification

Nintendo Switch 2 introduces GameChat, a built-in video calling feature that enhances the social experience on the new console. To use GameChat, users must first verify their identity by providing a phone number. If you've already linked a number to your Nintendo Account, you can use that; otherwise, you'll need to enter a new one. Nintendo will send a verification text to this number, linking your GameChat activity to it. It's important to keep this in mind, as your behavior on GameChat will be tied to your phone number.

For users under the age of 16, GameChat is initially blocked. A parent or guardian must enable the feature through the Parental Controls smart device app and provide their own phone number for verification. According to information spotted by Eurogamer on Nintendo's website, it seems that every user with a Nintendo Account will need to go through this process when playing on a Switch 2, even if the console is shared. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further clarification on this requirement.

Accessing GameChat on the Switch 2 is straightforward. By pressing the new 'C' button on the console's controllers, players can initiate a video call with up to four people or join a group audio call with up to 24 participants. For video calls, users can broadcast themselves using a separately sold camera peripheral, and they can also stream their gameplay live. This marks Nintendo's first venture into offering such a service, positioning the Switch 2 ahead of its previous efforts in online services.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

Recently, Digital Foundry disclosed the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 and highlighted concerns about the GameChat feature's impact on system resources. Developers are reportedly worried about this, as GameChat significantly affects the console's performance. Nintendo offers a testing tool that simulates the API latency and L3 cache misses experienced by the real-world GameChat system, allowing developers to test their games without active GameChat sessions. This suggests that there might be a performance hit when GameChat is in use, though it remains to be seen how significant this will be for end users. Digital Foundry expressed interest in observing how GameChat might affect game performance, with the full picture expected to emerge upon the Switch 2's release on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be free to use for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's launch. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using the feature. Earlier this week, we also got a glimpse of a Switch 2 game cartridge and heard rumors that Samsung is interested in providing OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.