The Switch 2's GameChat feature requires NSO in 2026, but what happens if you don't have a membership?

What Happens If You Press The Switch 2's C Button Without NSO? Now We Know

The Switch 2's GameChat feature requires NSO in 2026, but what happens if you don't have a membership?

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C Button Is Tied To NSO Subscription

GameChat is a free service for all Switch 2 owners, but only until March 31, 2026. After this, players will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use GameChat. Anyone who is not subscribed to NSO and presses this button from April 1, 2026 onwards will be directed to a page with details on how to sign up for NSO, Nintendo's Bill Trinen told Polygon.

GameChat requires a NSO subscription because it's part of the "overall platform experience," Trinen said, adding that NSO is a "really critical piece of the Nintendo Switch 2 experience."

Trinen told IGN that the idea for GameChat was to create a service that replicates the experience of being in the same room, on the same couch, playing games together--except over the internet via video or voice chat.

"And so for us, GameChat is why it's so important is the combination of being able to see their faces, being able to see what they're doing from a gameplay perspective and being able to feel like you've finally got a virtual space where you can have those same experiences that you might have in your living room," he said. "So that's why with the power of, I would say Switch 2, being able to finally execute that has been a big focus for us."

A look at GameChat with Mario Kart World.

The Switch 2 has a built-in microphone that can be used to chat with friends, while players can connect a USB-C camera to chat over video. Nintendo is selling a 1080p camera for $50, while Hori has a Piranha Plant camera for less, and it also has worse video quality.

Nintendo has also taken steps to help ensure the GameChat feature is safe for children. Additionally, Nintendo addressed concerns that the Switch 2 camera will spy on you.

Switch 2 preorders were expected to begin in the US on April 9, but Nintendo delayed preorders due to US President Donald Trump's tariffs. It remains to be seen when preorders might open, and many believe Nintendo is going to raise prices.

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