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Find out more about how to transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 here, or check out System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 in Support.
With some exceptions, Nintendo Switch accessories can continue to be used on Nintendo Switch 2. Find out more about which accessories are compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
No.
In order to use GameChat, you need to be a paid or trial member of the Nintendo Switch Online service (except during the GameChat Welcome Offer period*).
Text message verification is required to set up GameChat, using the phone number registered to your Nintendo Account."
To use video chat, you'll need a compatible USB-C camera (sold separately).
*GameChat Welcome Offer: until March 31st 2026, GameChat can be enjoyed for free. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
For each GameChat session, players under the age of 16 require a parent or guardian to allow use of the GameChat feature in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app, and can only use GameChat with Nintendo Account friends approved by their parent or guardian.
Video chat using a compatible USB-C camera (sold separately) also requires separate permission. Parents or guardians can view chat history, such as who their child chatted with and for how long, or restrict video chat.
The Nintendo Switch 2 camera features a green status light that will be illuminated when the camera is on.
The camera will only turn on when players activate their camera in GameChat, or when using CameraPlay in a compatible game.
When the camera is not in use, players can use the Nintendo Switch 2 camera’s built-in privacy shutter to cover the lens.
In general, the microphone is only active when enabled by users: for instance, when using GameChat, or using voice features in a compatible game.
Nintendo Switch 2 does not feature any system-level voice commands, so the microphone is not listening all the time.
No. GameChat recordings are only stored on your own console for up to 24 hours and are not accessed by Nintendo. Only when submitting a report to Nintendo, the last three minutes of the recording are shared with us.
Nintendo is not eavesdropping on your conversations. The purpose of the recordings is so players can adequately report any issues, such as inappropriate interactions, in order to maintain a safe online environment.
A USB-C camera is not required. It's possible for up to 12 people to connect over GameChat with audio only using the console's built-in microphone. It is also possible to share game screens.
If you have a compatible USB-C camera, you can have a video chat with up to four people.
Find out more about using a USB-C camera on Nintendo Switch 2.
No.
GameShare only works with compatible games.
It is possible to do so, but this only applies to GameShare via local communication.
No. The Nintendo Switch console only supports receiving shared games using local communication.
Yes. All users on a console are able to use a virtual game card loaded on that console.
Yes, DLC can also be lent out as a virtual game card. DLC is managed together with the virtual game card for the main game. When loading or lending it out, it is handled as one unit together with the virtual game card for the main game.
If the console that the virtual game card was lent to is connected to the internet, then as long as it is not currently being played, it is possible for it to be taken back using the console that lent it out.
Yes, it is possible. However, it is not possible to lend Nintendo Switch 2 games to a Nintendo Switch.
No. Virtual game cards can only be loaded on the two consoles that have been paired. In order to load a virtual game card on a third console, you will need to swap out one of your paired consoles. If you unpair a console, all virtual game cards loaded to it will be removed.
Save data is stored on the console. The save data will not be moved and will remain on the original console even when you load a virtual game card on a different console. If you want to use the same save data on two consoles, then please use either the Transfer Your Save Data feature or the Save Data Cloud feature available with Nintendo Switch Online memberships.
If you turn on Online Licence Settings in User Settings, then you can play without loading a virtual game card.
Virtual game cards and online licences have the following differences:
Virtual game cards | Online licence | |
|---|---|---|
Internet connection | Once loaded on a console, a game can be played even without an internet connection. | An internet connection is required when opening the game. Also, if you are not connected to the internet for a while, then the game will be suspended. |
Who can play | All users on the console can play. | Only users who are linked with the Nintendo Account that purchased the game or DLC can play. |
Number of consoles | Up to two consoles can be linked per Nintendo Account. | Can be used on three or more console |
Playing games simultaneously on multiple consoles | It's not possible to run the same game at the same time on multiple consoles with either virtual game cards or online licences. | It's not possible to run the same game at the same time on multiple consoles with either virtual game cards or online licences. |
Please visit our Virtual Game Card Guide in Support.
A game-key card is a game card that does not contain any game data, but only includes the “key” required to start the game.
When playing a game for the first time, the data for the game itself will be downloaded over the internet so you can play.
Yes. However, when launching the game for the first time on that console you will need to connect to the internet and download the data to play the game.
In order to download the game you will need an internet connection and enough free space in your Nintendo Switch 2 internal storage or microSD Express card. The required amount of free space is indicated on the game-key card packaging.
No. Like with regular game cards, you will need to insert the game-key card into the console when you want to play.
No.
You can see this by going from the HOME Menu to System Settings, then Data Management.
Like with other software, it is stored in the console's internal storage.
Yes, you may also use USB-C cameras that you already own. However, it is possible that some devices are not supported or are unstable.
You can test it first by connecting the USB-C camera to the Nintendo Switch 2 console and selecting System Settings from the HOME Menu, then selecting Controllers & Accessories -> Test USB Camera.
This refers to the resolution of the video game image output to a display. Most TVs currently available support 1080p and 4K image resolutions.
Nintendo Switch 2 supports an image resolution of up to 4K* in supported games when connected to a compatible TV. This is about four times the image resolution than an image in 1080p resolution, which lets you enjoy a more crisp and detailed image quality during gameplay.
*TV and game must be compatible with 4K resolution.
Frame rate represents how many images are shown per second. A higher number means more images are shown each second, making smoother movements possible. The highest framerate possible on Nintendo Switch 2 is 120 frames per second (fps) in compatible games. Frame rate differs from game to game. The framerate limit for 4K resolutions is 60 fps on Nintendo Switch 2.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a technology that enables a wider range of brightness (a dynamic range). On Nintendo Switch 2, HDR allows for a greater variety of light and colour, and allows a richer expression of brightness, darkness and vividness. HDR support varies by game and requires a compatible screen when playing in TV mode.
This is a feature where the screen can adjust (vary) the number of images displayed per second.
The refresh rate is the number of times the image on screen changes per second. By changing the refresh rate in line with the game processing for VRR-compatible games on Nintendo Switch 2, it can allow for stable and smooth motion.
VRR* support varies by game and is available in handheld, tabletop, and TV modes. A compatible TV is required to use VRR in TV Mode.
*VRR support in TV Mode was added via a system update released on 10th September, 2026.
