Hori’s Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera boasts a modest resolution of just 480p, which pales in comparison to the 1080p video capture quality of Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. This information was verified by the UK My Nintendo Store, which provided the following details:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera - Video capture quality: 1080p.
- Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 - Camera resolution: 640 × 480.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow
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Despite its lower resolution, Hori’s Piranha Plant camera, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, comes at a more affordable price than Nintendo’s own $49.99 camera. It's important to note that the Switch 2 is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory as well as any other USB-C camera. Both cameras are scheduled for release alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.
The Piranha Plant camera offers a unique feature: the webcam component can be detached from the pot, allowing you to place it directly on top of the Switch 2, enhancing its portability—an advantage not available with Nintendo’s camera. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens.
The revelation that Hori’s Piranha Plant camera is limited to 480p resolution has sparked a wave of surprise among Nintendo fans. On social media, reactions ranged from disbelief to humor. Reddit user Ramen536Pie remarked, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost added, "That’s actually hilarious. Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 questioned, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"
During last week's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2’s GameChat functionality, which is activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other play, either the same or different games, and interact using a camera and a built-in microphone, which promises reliable performance across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is designed to be a comprehensive multiplayer tool, potentially marking Nintendo's most ambitious online initiative in years.
For more information on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and insights on how Trump's tariffs might affect the Switch 2's pricing.