Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Now Requires Phone Number Verification

The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces an exciting new feature called GameChat, which is integrated directly into the console and touted as a major highlight of the system. However, to activate GameChat, users must first verify their identity by providing a phone number. This can be a new number or one already linked to your Nintendo Account. After submitting your phone number, Nintendo will send a text message to verify and connect your GameChat activity to that number, so it's important to keep things friendly and appropriate!

For users under 16, GameChat will be inaccessible until a parent or guardian enables it through the Parental Controls app on their smart device. The guardian will also need to provide their own phone number for verification. According to Nintendo's website, which was noted by Eurogamer, this verification process applies to all Nintendo Account holders using a Switch 2, even if the console is shared. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further clarification.

Accessing GameChat on the Switch 2 is straightforward; simply press the 'C' button on the console's controllers to initiate a video chat with up to four people or join a group audio call with up to 24. During video calls, users can use a separately sold camera peripheral to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay. This marks Nintendo's first foray into this type of service, showing a significant step forward from their previous online offerings.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Last week, Digital Foundry disclosed the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2 and highlighted concerns about the impact of GameChat on system resources. Developers have expressed worries about the feature's resource demands. Nintendo offers a GameChat testing tool that simulates API latency and L3 cache misses, allowing developers to assess the system's performance without active GameChat sessions.

Digital Foundry raised questions about whether GameChat affects game performance when active. Ideally, if GameChat resources are properly allocated within the system, there should be no difference. However, the availability of GameChat emulation tools suggests a potential performance impact that developers must account for. As Digital Foundry stated, "We'll be interested to see how GameChat may (or may not) impact game performance as this does seem to be an area of developer concern." The true effect won't be clear until the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be free to use for the first 10 months after the Switch 2's release. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to continue using GameChat.

Earlier this week, we saw the first look at a Switch 2 game cartridge, and there were reports that Samsung is interested in supplying OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.