Nintendo could record Switch 2 GameChat audio and video to address safety concerns

Gamers have greeted Nintendo's Switch 2 GameChat capabilities with some skepticism. After March 2026, using the feature will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Screen-shared video will also suffer from lower frame rates. Now, Nintendo has revealed that it may record GameChat audio and video. The policy will try to keep online gaming with the handheld safe for all users.

Observant Redditors noticed that Nintendo revised the privacy policy on its website. The new wording states that the company "may collect, monitor and record audio and video of your chat sessions with other users to provide a safe and secure environment for certain of our services." The full text clarifies that Nintendo could monitor shared content, including "text, images, audio, video, your nickname and user icon".

Even though fans of classic Nintendo titles have aged, the Switch is the most popular console for teenagers. Upgraded Switch 2 specs allow it to compete with sophisticated portable PCs. Still, Nintendo doesn't anticipate a radically different demographic. Considering the audience, many Reddit posters see justification in recording Switch 2 GameChat. Nevertheless, other players are pledging to avoid the feature over privacy concerns.

Nintendo has already implemented safeguards for Switch 2 multiplayer gaming. GameChat sessions can only start with individuals on a gamer's friend list. There is also a text message verification requirement system during setup. Finally, parents must approve the use of GameChat with players under 16 years of age.

Microsoft and Sony claim they don't continuously record chats on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. However, gamers can submit clips when encountering nefarious behavior. On Discord, there is a debate about how the service uses archived messages. With Switch 2 GameChat, Nintendo may simply be more transparent about how it watches online activity.