Nintendo Switch 2 Webcam Support Confirmed, Updates Coming
▼ Summary
– Some modern webcams don’t work with the Nintendo Switch 2, while older models do, prompting companies like Elgato and Ugreen to release firmware updates to fix compatibility issues.
– The issue arises because the Switch 2 struggles with certain USB video modes, often prioritizing unsupported or low frame rate settings advertised by newer webcams.
– Ugreen identified three technical requirements for compatibility: avoiding the HID protocol, using Isochronous transfer mode, and excluding unsupported low frame rates (below 30 fps).
– Elgato’s Facecam MK.2 may fail due to advertising extremely low frame rates (as low as 5 fps), which the Switch 2 might attempt to use but cannot handle.
– While some Ugreen cameras already work with the Switch 2, others will receive updates by June, raising questions about whether Nintendo should also address compatibility through its own software updates.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s webcam compatibility issues have puzzled users since launch, but manufacturers are now stepping up with firmware updates to resolve the problem. While some older webcams work seamlessly, many modern high-resolution models fail to function, a mystery that has finally been unraveled by leading accessory companies.
The root cause appears to be how the Switch 2 interacts with USB-connected cameras. Unlike PCs, which effortlessly handle multiple video modes, the console struggles when webcams advertise unsupported settings. Elgato and Ugreen have identified specific technical hurdles their devices must overcome to achieve compatibility.
Elgato’s solution involves adding a low-resolution 480p mode to its Facecam MK.2 and Facecam Neo models. Julian Fest, Elgato’s general manager, suggests the Switch 2 prioritizes basic configurations to manage multiple cameras efficiently. However, resolution alone isn’t the deciding factor, Nintendo’s own 1080p camera works flawlessly, proving the issue is more complex.
Ugreen’s analysis reveals three critical requirements for Switch 2 compatibility:
- Avoiding the HID protocol, which can confuse the console.
- Using Isochronous transfer mode instead of Bulk, reducing system resource demands.
- Excluding unsupported low frame rates (below 30 fps) from USB endpoint descriptors.
These specifications aren’t typically listed on product packaging, making it difficult for consumers to identify compatible cameras beforehand. Tools like USBView can help verify these settings, but the process isn’t user-friendly.
Interestingly, some Ugreen models already meet these criteria, while others require firmware updates. The company plans to roll out fixes by the end of June for affected devices like the CM826 and CM797. Meanwhile, models such as the CM717 and CM831 function without issues.
The bigger question is whether Nintendo should take a more active role in resolving these compatibility challenges. Unlike PCs, which adapt to a wide range of webcam configurations, the Switch 2 seems overly selective. A future system update from Nintendo could potentially streamline the process, but for now, the burden falls on accessory makers to bridge the gap.
As of now, Nintendo has not commented on whether it plans to address webcam compatibility through its own software updates. For users eager to use external cameras, staying informed about firmware releases from manufacturers remains the best course of action.
(Source: The Verge)
