Switch 2 Camera Buying Guide 2026: Official Camera, HORI, Trust or a Webcam?

The Switch 2 has no built-in camera. For video chat in GameChat and CameraPlay in games, you plug in a USB camera. That can be the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, a licensed model from HORI or Trust, or a webcam you already use on your PC. Nintendo is clear, though: not every camera works.

This guide covers what GameChat needs, how to test a camera in two minutes and five cameras that were in stock on Amazon.de. For audio, see the Switch 2 headset buying guide.

Transparency: We have not tested these cameras ourselves. Details come from Nintendo, HORI, Trust, Logitech, The Verge and the Amazon.de listings we checked (November 2026). We deliberately leave out prices.

What a camera does on Switch 2

Nintendo names two uses:

• Video chat in GameChat: Up to four people can join with video at once. The console's built-in mic handles voice; the camera is only for the picture.
• CameraPlay: Your image appears in compatible games, and some games use full-body motion controls. Supported features depend on the game.

One example is Mario Kart World. According to Nintendo Support, local multiplayer shows up to four faces from a single camera. Online, CameraPlay only works inside a GameChat room: two players per console, up to four consoles with a camera, so a maximum of eight faces. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV also uses the camera.

What GameChat requires

How to test a camera

Before you buy a new camera, check the one you have:

1. Plug the camera in. A compatible camera briefly shows "A camera has been connected" in the top left.
2. HOME Menu > System Settings > Controllers & Accessories > Test USB Camera.
3. If you see a picture, it works.

No picture? Nintendo suggests restarting the console, checking for a system update, re-plugging the camera or trying another USB port on the dock. Is the privacy shutter open? On the official camera you turn the outer ring slightly clockwise. The official camera also has its own firmware update under Controllers & Accessories.

Which webcams work?

Nintendo only guarantees its own camera. Other common USB cameras should work, but that is not certain. The Verge tested cameras and asked manufacturers (summer 2025):

• Logitech says all its webcams work except the Brio 4K.
• According to The Verge, old USB-A webcams like the Logitech C920 worked straight away. Whether the camera used the top USB-C port or a USB-A port on the dock made no difference in their test.
• Cameras that did not work there include the Elgato Facecam MK.2, Insta360 Link, Obsbot Meet SE and Android phones in webcam mode. Elgato and Obsbot announced firmware updates.

Firmware changes. Always test with Test USB Camera yourself before the return window closes.

What to look for

1. Handheld or TV

In handheld mode the camera plugs into the top USB-C port. Small models like the HORI and Trust cameras sit right on the console. On a TV you need a stand or clip and a cable to the dock. Webcams with a USB-A plug only go into the dock.

2. Field of view

With several people on the sofa, a wide view helps. The official camera covers about 110° diagonally, the webcams below 70 to 80°.

3. Resolution

Most models are 1080p. The HORI camera is only 640 × 480. That is fine for a face above your kart, but looks rough in video chat.

4. Privacy shutter

All five models below have a cover or shutter. Handy when kids play.

5. Cable length

The official camera, HORI, Trust and Brio 300 come with 1.5 m cables. If the dock sits far from the TV, plan for an extension.

Five cameras for Switch 2

All models were in stock on Amazon.de when checked (November 2026, German delivery address, sold and shipped by Amazon). They are examples, not test winners.

Example model

Official from Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (bundle with Super Mario Party Jamboree)

Nintendo's camera with 1080p, a wide-angle lens, automatic brightness adjustment and a privacy shutter. According to the Nintendo Store it ships with a 1.5 m cable; Nintendo Life lists about 110° field of view and 111 g. The stand is fixed and its height can't be adjusted. When we checked, the camera on its own was down to one unit from a third-party seller on Amazon.de. The bundle with Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV was in stock.

Resolution

1080p

Field of view

approx. 110° diagonal

Cable

1.5 m, USB-C

Privacy shutter

yes, rotating ring

Bundle

Super Mario Party Jamboree (NS2 Edition + Jamboree TV)

Good for you if you want the official option and don't own the party game yet.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Clips on: HORI Piranha Plant Camera

Officially licensed by Nintendo. The camera head sits on a flexible neck, and closing the mouth covers the lens. Plug it straight into the top of the Switch 2 or onto the Warp Pipe base, which also clips onto a TV. HORI lists 640 × 480 at 30 fps and an 85° view angle. It comes with a 1.5 m USB-C cable and a right-angle 3.5 mm adapter in case a headphone plug gets in the way. HORI advises against USB hubs.

Resolution

640 × 480, 30 fps

Field of view

85°

Cable

1.5 m, USB-C

Mounting

on console, base or TV clip

Privacy

close the mouth

Good for you if kids play and the look matters more than sharpness.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Small and Full HD: Trust GXT 1259 Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

A compact Switch 2 camera. According to Trust it plugs straight into the top USB-C port, or into the dock via the included base and cable. It tilts up and down, and a sliding cover protects the lens. Trust lists 1080p at 30 fps, an 80° field of view, a 1.5 m cable and no microphone. Trust says it works with Mario Kart World and Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Resolution

1080p, 30 fps

Field of view

80°

Cable

1.5 m, USB-C

Mounting

on console or base

Microphone

no

Good for you if you want Full HD and a camera you can also plug in on the go.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

74.6 g

Example model

A webcam for your PC too: Logitech Brio 300

A 1080p webcam with a USB-C plug and an attached 1.5 m cable. According to Logitech it has automatic light correction, a privacy shutter and a noise-reducing mic, and weighs 74.6 g including clip and cable. The clip holds it on a monitor or laptop. Logitech told The Verge that only the Brio 4K is incompatible.

Resolution

1080p

Connection

USB-C, 1.5 m cable

Privacy shutter

yes

Weight

74.6 g

Also for

PC, laptop

Good for you if the camera will move between Switch 2 and PC.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Classic for the dock: Logitech C920s HD Pro

The C920s offers 1080p at 30 fps, a 78° field of view, autofocus, two mics and a privacy cover. It has a USB-A plug, so it fits the dock's USB-A ports, not the top of the console. The Verge had the C920 running on Switch 2 straight away.

Resolution

1080p, 30 fps

Field of view

78°

Connection

USB-A (dock)

Focus

autofocus

Privacy

cover

Good for you if the camera stays by the TV and the dock has a free USB-A port.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Comparison

Model	Resolution	Field of view	Plug	Sits on the console
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera	1080p	approx. 110°	USB-C	no, stand
HORI Piranha Plant Camera	640 × 480	85°	USB-C	yes
Trust GXT 1259	1080p	80°	USB-C	yes
Logitech Brio 300	1080p	n/a	USB-C	no, clip
Logitech C920s	1080p	78°	USB-A	no, dock only

Checklist before you buy

• Nintendo Switch Online active and a phone number on your account?
• Test your existing webcam with Test USB Camera first.
• USB-A webcam? Dock only.
• Several people in frame? Pick a wide field of view.
• Kids under 16? Allow the camera in the parental controls app.
• For a headset mic, read the Switch 2 headset buying guide.

FAQ

Do I need a camera for GameChat?

No. Voice chat works with the console's built-in mic. You only need a camera for video and CameraPlay.

Does GameChat cost money?

Since 1 April 2026 you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership. According to Nintendo, the free period ran from 5 June 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Will my PC webcam work with Switch 2?

Often, but not always. Logitech names only the Brio 4K as an exception. Check yours under System Settings > Controllers & Accessories > Test USB Camera.

Can I use my phone as a camera?

According to The Verge, no: Android phones in webcam mode did not work in their test.

Does the camera work in handheld mode?

Yes. Plug it into the top USB-C port. Small models like the HORI and Trust cameras clip on best.

Sources

• Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 – USB cameras (German)
• Nintendo: Switch 2 USB-C camera accessory
• Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (German)
• Nintendo Support: Video camera not working in GameChat (German)
• Nintendo Support: GameChat guide and FAQ (German)
• Nintendo Support: How to Use CameraPlay (Mario Kart World)
• Nintendo Life: Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Guide
• The Verge: Nintendo Switch 2 – which webcams work?
• HORI Europe: Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
• HORI: Piranha Plant Camera manual (PDF)
• Trust: GXT 1259 Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
• Logitech: Brio 300
• Logitech: Brio 300 quick start guide (PDF)
• Logitech: C920s HD Pro Webcam