Use Your Pixel as a Nintendo Switch 2 Webcam
▼ Summary
– The author is a senior tech reporter with extensive experience covering gadgets and electronics.
– Initial testing showed Pixel smartphones could not be used as webcams for the Switch 2 at launch, despite Nintendo’s claims about USB webcam compatibility.
– Users previously required additional adapters and cables to use Android or iPhone cameras with the Switch 2.
– Now, a Pixel 9 Pro can connect directly via USB-C and function as a webcam after switching the phone’s USB preferences to “Webcam” mode.
– This direct connection enables the GameChat feature for seeing and speaking with other players, though it’s unclear which company’s updates made it possible.
Turning your Pixel smartphone into a webcam for the Nintendo Switch 2 is now a simple, cable-only process, eliminating the need for extra adapters. This direct connection offers a portable video chat solution for gamers on the move, enhancing the social features of titles like Mario Kart World.
Initially, despite Nintendo’s general compatibility claims, Pixel phones were not functional as webcams at the console’s launch. Early adopters discovered that using an Android phone or iPhone required additional hardware like USB-C to HDMI adapters and HDMI capture cables. The landscape has since changed. Recent testing confirms that a Pixel 9 Pro, connected directly to the Switch 2’s top USB-C port with a single cable, works perfectly after a quick settings adjustment.
The key step is to ensure your phone’s USB preferences are set correctly. Once you connect your Pixel to the console, navigate to the USB settings on the phone and select “Webcam” mode. This setting, introduced by Google in Android 14, allows the phone’s camera feed to be recognized by the Switch 2. After this change, the smartphone seamlessly functions as a camera for the console’s GameChat feature.
GameChat enables more immersive multiplayer interactions. When using a webcam, you can not only communicate with competitors globally but also see their live video feed superimposed over the gameplay stream. This adds a personal, face-to-face element to online racing or other compatible titles, making the experience more engaging and social.
It remains unclear whether a recent software update from Google or Nintendo is responsible for this newfound plug-and-play compatibility. The tested Pixel 9 Pro was running a December release of Android, suggesting ongoing refinements behind the scenes. Regardless of the cause, this development is a significant quality-of-life improvement. For frequent travelers who carry their Switch 2, it removes the burden of packing a separate webcam, consolidating their gaming and communication gear into two compact devices linked by one cable.
(Source: The Verge)
