As someone who’s planning to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, I’ve had my eye on the accessories I’d need to get with the console. Since Super Mario Party Jamboree, which is getting some new mini-games in its Switch 2 port, is one of the games I’m very interested in, the Switch 2 Camera accessory caught my eye. After all, who doesn’t want to make dramatic faces while playing with their friends? You can even use it for chat, too. However, I’m not sure I can justify spending $50 on an accessory that’ll probably gather dust after I’m done with Mario Party. Fortunately, it looks like the Switch 2 Camera is not the only way to play camera-based games or video chat with your friends on the Nintendo Switch 2.
How to check if the Nintendo Switch 2 supports your USB-C camera
Credit: Nintendo
A quick look at Nintendo’s Switch 2 Camera webpage reveals that you can use third-party USB-C cameras with the console, even ones that aren’t made with it in mind. Like me, if you already have a USB-C camera lying around, you can plug it into the Switch 2 and the console will tell you if it’s compatible. Whenever you end up getting the Switch 2, just go to the console’s settings and navigate to the Controllers & Accessories section. Once the camera is connected to the Switch 2, select Test USB Camera and the console will let you know if the camera is compatible with the system.
I don’t want to discourage people from buying Nintendo’s Switch 2 Camera right away, since I haven’t tried it yet. But I won’t be buying it immediately, because it’s too expensive for me. Yes, you get guaranteed compatibility and a useful stand that lets you place it on any flat surface, but that doesn’t necessarily justify its price. At the time of writing, you can buy good USB-C webcams for as little as $20 each. These cameras ship with a privacy cover and adjustable stands that can be mounted on top of a TV or placed on a flat surface, and there’s a good chance you already own one. If you can use one for the Switch 2 instead, it might be worth opting for that instead of spending extra cash.
Pranay Parab
Pranay Parab is an independent tech journalist based in Mumbai, India. He covers tech for Lifehacker, and specializes in tutorials and in-depth features.
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