The social aspect of connecting to play with others is a huge part of the gaming world, and Nintendo Switch 2 is a surprisingly good console for this type of experience. Between the Switch 2's portability as a handheld-home console hybrid and its GameShare capabilities that allow gamers to enjoy supported games with friends, even if they don't own the game, Nintendo's latest console is a must-have for social gamers. However, the Switch 2 has a feature that seems to be all but forgotten despite its potential to improve co-op gaming experiences.
In an era where cooperative gaming and online multiplayer have seen a massive comeback, thanks to games like Split Fiction, Reborn animaland the recent relaunch of Monitoringhaving a way to seamlessly connect with friends online is a necessity. Switch 2 will also get even more multiplayer experiences in the future, with the popular survival game Valheim announced that it will be coming to the console, as well as the brand new title Oribtals. While Discord has been the go-to app for gamers to connect and chat with friends, the Switch 2's GameChat could become the new place to hang out while gaming on the console.
Discord announces big changes coming in March [UPDATE]
Discord announced a significant change that will affect all of its users worldwide throughout March, stating the reasons behind its decision.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat can be a good Discord alternative
Originally revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct in the run-up to the console's launch last summer, GameChat was touted as a major new feature that sets the Switch 2 apart from its predecessor. The feature allows players to press the “C” button on their Joy-Con 2 controllers to access the app and connect with up to 12 friends for voice and video calls while playing. While many Nintendo fans brushed off this feature as unnecessary in the age of Discord, the latest developments in Discord's age verification controversy could make the Nintendo Switch 2's GameChat app incredibly relevant.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a compatible webcam to take full advantage of GameChat, and the company even released the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera as an accessory specifically designed for this app.
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Why some players leave discord 2026
Discord has recently been in hot water with users over the announcement that it will begin requiring them to submit a photo ID or a face scan to verify their age. Some Discord users will have their account set to teen by default, which locks them out of access to certain channels until they can provide identification. Although Discord has gone back on those requirements somewhat, clarifying that most users would not be affected, the damage has already been done to some extent, and users have already abandoned the platform for Discord alternatives like TeamSpeak.
Switch 2 owners who slept on GameChat at launch might want to look at it again
In the wake of Discord's age verification controversy, the Switch 2's GameChat feature suddenly looks a lot more appealing. While it may have been redundant due to Discord's existence at the launch of the Switch 2 almost a year ago, Nintendo fans looking for a Discord alternative already have a great option sitting right under their noses. GameChat does not offer all the same features as Discord, as users cannot create and host channels using text chat. But for audio and video calls with screen sharing features, GameChat might be the next best thing for Discord users who regularly use these features.
Unlike Discord, GameChat also comes with some unique features that serve to enhance certain Nintendo games. Super Mario Party Jamboree — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition uses the camera to put players' faces directly into the game for some minigames, and Mario Kart World uses this feature to show which player is which racer. GameChat also allows users to use GameShare with compatible games if their online friends don't own a certain title they want to play together. While not a perfect solution, Nintendo fans looking to jump from Discord should consider checking out GameChat.
