Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Official 1080p vs Hori's 480p

Hori's officially licensed Piranha Plant camera for the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a unique design but comes with a surprising downside: its resolution is only 480p. This is notably lower than the 1080p resolution of Nintendo's own Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has confirmed these resolutions, highlighting a significant difference in video quality between the two products.

Despite its lower resolution, the Piranha Plant camera is more affordable than Nintendo's $49.99 camera. It's slated for release alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, and users have the flexibility to choose either the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory or any compatible USB-C camera. One of the unique features of the Piranha Plant camera is its detachable design; the part housing the webcam can be separated from the pot, allowing it to be placed directly on top of the Switch 2 for enhanced portability. Additionally, users can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, a feature not found in Nintendo's camera.

Nintendo fans expressed their shock and humor over the Piranha Plant camera's low resolution. Comments on social media ranged from disbelief at the technology's age to humorous remarks about its suitability for older consoles like the Wii U. Some users even jokingly questioned if such a low resolution could be considered outdated in today's market.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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During the recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2's new GameChat feature, which can be activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other play the same or different games and use a camera to see one another, facilitated by a built-in microphone that promises reliable performance across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is designed to be a comprehensive multiplayer tool, potentially marking Nintendo's most significant online initiative in recent years.

For more insights on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our coverage of the Nintendo Direct, an interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and the latest on how Trump's tariffs might affect the Switch 2's pricing.