Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Comparison: Hori Offers Affordable Alternative for GameChat

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Comparison: Hori Offers Affordable Alternative for GameChat As Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders become available across the United States and Canada, anticipation is mounting among fans ready to experience the next generation of Nintendo’s hybrid platform.

With this new hardware release, Nintendo is also introducing expanded communication options through its GameChat feature, which allows players to connect via live video feeds on the Switch 2.

To utilize GameChat, players will need a compatible webcam accessory, and both Nintendo and renowned peripheral manufacturer Hori are stepping into the market with their own offerings. Nintendo, the Japanese video game giant, has released an official camera for the Nintendo Switch 2, retailing at $55 USD.

This camera supports high-definition video output at 1080p, ensuring crisp image quality for GameChat sessions and potentially for use with PCs as a secondary webcam.

Alongside Nintendo’s launch, Hori—one of the industry’s most trusted third-party accessory makers—has introduced its USB Switch 2 camera, available now on Amazon Japan for ¥3,981, which is approximately $28 USD.

This price point positions Hori’s device as a nearly 50% cost-saving alternative to Nintendo’s own camera. However, there are some notable differences.

While the Hori USB Switch 2 camera is markedly more budget-friendly, it provides video output only at 640×480 resolution compared to the official Nintendo camera’s full 1080p.

According to Hori’s product details, the lower resolution may not deliver the same level of visual clarity, though the impact in typical GameChat usage is expected to be minimal due to the screen segmentation for up to four simultaneous camera feeds.

Even when used on a 4K TV, each GameChat pane is limited in display size, making the distinction between 480p and 1080p less noticeable.

In handheld mode, most users are unlikely to observe significant differences in video quality. While Hori’s camera may not match the high-definition performance of Nintendo’s official accessory, it offers an accessible entry point for those looking to take advantage of the Switch 2’s new social gaming features without a premium price tag.

Hori’s reputation as a reliable third-party hardware manufacturer ensures a level of durability and longevity that gamers have come to expect over years of product releases. For those considering enhancing their Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay with GameChat, both Nintendo’s official and Hori’s third-party cameras present solid choices, catering to different budget and quality preferences.

The new accessories, compatible with the upcoming Switch 2 hardware, further solidify the platform’s status as a leader in flexible, community-driven play experiences.

As pre-orders for the Switch 2 continue to surge, the demand for supporting peripherals like these webcams underscores the ongoing innovation and diversity in the Nintendo ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo GameChat Switch 2 Switch Hori