We recently reviewed the Nintendo Switch 2 and thought it would be a good idea to include this in our main review, as one comprehensive article that covers all accessories. But given that the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera doesn’t come with the console, we feel it deserves its own review.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a fine option for the console, given its close connection with the GameChat feature.
However, with those specs in mind, and considering the Nintendo Switch 2’s compatibility with a range of USB-C webcams, there are some better options available that could again provide better value.
Design
I can’t fault the design of the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. I appreciate its slim and tall aesthetic, and the adjustable camera head is nice enough. The small rubber clip at the base of the stem helps keep that cable out of the way, too.
You’ll get a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box with the camera, with one side plugging into the base of the camera head and the other into the top USB-C port of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Around the lens of the camera, you’ll even find a physical ring that can be turned to cover the lens of the camera entirely, for added privacy and protection.
Given how skinny the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera looks, it’s relatively stable. While you wouldn’t think you would have to move something like this around much, I can appreciate its taller design, as it sits on quite a busy entertainment unit, so I’m thankful it doesn’t have to be clipped onto anything or sit lower on that unit.
Performance & Software
The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera provides a 1080p resolution and a wide-angle lens with approximately 110° diagonal view. It’s fine as far as clarity goes, and the camera can even detect you from a couple of metres away for use in GameChat.
I’ve lumped in our software thoughts here, as the camera ties in so strongly with the GameChat function, and for the most part, it works quite well. There’s not really much setup required apart from plugging the camera in, and the Switch 2 will pick it up automatically in GameChat.
The wide-angle lens will certainly help when larger groups need to get in frame, but I found the camera also does really well in low-light situations. I’m usually gaming in some sort of ambient lighting, around lamps or RGB-lighting, and given that’s habitual, I didn’t really think to turn any lights on. When the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera picked me up from almost 2.5 metres away, I was impressed.
Of course, you can mess around with certain settings for the camera itself, like the general zoom and even effects, for example, if you want it to crop you out of the background or capture the entire frame.
For all that the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera does well, I can’t help but feel it’s all a little washed out. Given that it works well in both well-lit and low-lit situations, it can look a little bland when in full frame. When you’re placed over gameplay, it’s not too bad, but it leads me to the fact that even at A$69, it doesn’t necessarily exceed its value.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with other USB-C camera’s and I think that if you were to find something like the Logitech Brio 300 Full HD Webcam on sale, you’d effectively be getting a slightly better camera at a cheaper price.
Verdict & Value
Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a decent option that succeeds at the basics. While its value is amplified by the easy-to-use GameChat software, I can’t help but feel the camera itself is a little basic for the asking price.
If the Nintendo Switch 2 weren’t compatible with anything else, then I’d say we could have gotten worse. But given it works with any USB-C camera, there are far better options out there.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Sleek design; Picks up players from a fair distance; Great in low-light situations; Easily integrated with GameChat
Lowlights: Colours mostly feel a little flat; Nintendo Switch 2 works with any USB-C camera, which gives you access to much better options
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Price: A$69
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Nintendo.
