The introduction of GameChat was a big feature for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Intended to work somewhat like Discord, GameChat would let friends and family chat, share screens, and engage in multiplayer without needing a second device. However, it seems there might be some compromises with its implementation.

When Nintendo revealed the Switch 2 on the Nintendo Direct, GameChat was featured heavily, pointing out the advantages of having your console have a chat function, instead of being forced to use an additional PC, laptop, or phone to chat with your friends. Many noticed some problems even in this early video, however, noting the abysmal framerate and resolution. Third-party webcams like the Hori’s Piranha Plant recording at 480p didn’t help sell the quality.

GameChat will reportedly use lots of resources

According to Digital Foundry, the problems with GameChat go even deeper, claiming that using GameChat would have a ‘significant impact’ on available system resources, to the point where developers have become concerned.

Digital Foundry said that developers have been provided with a specific GameChat testing tool, which simulates the API latency and L3 cache misses that GameChat causes when in use. This does raise the question of how badly system resources and game performance are likely to be affected by GameChat, if a specific emulation tool for this feature is needed.

As Digital Foundry said: “We’ll be interested to see how GameChat may—or may not—impact game performance, as this does seem to be an area of developer concern.” Also revealed by Digital Foundry’s video was the Switch 2 technical specification, which included the Memory Reservation System. According to these figures, games are allocated 9GB, with 3GB for OS overhead and other applications. They also gave us a closer look at how DLSS will operate on the console.

Switch 2 owners will also be able to enjoy a big screen upgrade compared to the original, with a 7.9-inch LCD display, which has support for HDR10 and VRR up to 120 Hz. Using the Switch 2 in its dock will enable up to 4K at 60fps, or 1080p/1440p at up to 120 FPS.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.