A newly uncovered patent suggests the Nintendo Switch 2 could feature a built-in voice chat system, addressing one of the biggest criticisms of the original Switch.
The patent, filed in the U.S. in February 2025, describes a proximity-based voice chat system, meaning voice communication would be tied to a player’s in-game location.
A Long-Requested Feature for Nintendo Fans
Unlike competing platforms such as PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, which have long featured built-in party chat systems, Nintendo consoles have traditionally lacked a native voice communication option.
Currently, Switch players looking to chat with friends must rely on third-party apps like Discord or Nintendo’s own, clunky Switch Online mobile app. This has been a point of frustration for many gamers who expect seamless in-game communication, especially in multiplayer titles.
Nintendo Switch already does support voice chat through the console itself. You can see that with games like Fortnite. Them not implementing it is just laziness.
— OctoFloofy (@octofloofy) March 12, 2025
However, the Nintendo Switch 2 may finally change this. The patent document describes a proximity-based voice chat system, meaning that voice communication would be tied to a player's in-game location.
If implemented, this feature would allow players to hear others based on their virtual distance – much like real-life conversations, where voices fade as people walk away. This system is commonly used in online multiplayer games like Fortnite, Rust, and DayZ, where it adds an immersive, tactical element to communication.
Hints in the New Hardware?
Although Nintendo has yet to confirm the inclusion of voice chat, speculation has been fueled by the new Joy-Con controllers spotted in leaked concept images of the Switch 2.
One particularly interesting detail is the presence of a new "C-Button" – a feature not found on the original Nintendo Switch. Some fans believe this button could be linked to the rumored chat system, perhaps serving as a push-to-talk function.
Adding to the speculation, rumors of a revamped online infrastructure for the Switch 2 have been circulating since the console’s first whispers. If Nintendo is indeed planning a revamped online service, a built-in voice chat feature could be a natural next step to bring its platform in line with competitors.
Nintendo’s Complicated History with Chat Features
Nintendo has always taken a cautious approach to online communication, prioritizing safety over convenience
This has led to some unconventional choices, including the reliance on friend codes and limiting voice chat to specific situations.
Nintendo’s first real experiment with online chat came in 2004 with the Nintendo DS and its PictoChat app. This software allowed players to send hand-drawn messages to nearby users using the DS stylus. While a fun novelty, it was limited to local wireless use and did not include voice communication.
First time ever using pictochat damn is it cool #Nintendo pic.twitter.com/xbvyNaNIWD
— Nightwaver (@NightwaverOwO) March 13, 2025
Fast-forward to 2012, and the Wii U introduced Wii U Chat, a video chat application that utilized the GamePad’s built-in camera and microphone.
While promising, it never gained much traction and was discontinued in 2017. Meanwhile, the Nintendo 3DS also experimented with voice messaging, allowing users to send pre-recorded audio clips.
Despite these small steps, Nintendo has always been hesitant to embrace real-time voice chat – likely due to concerns over moderation and child safety.
The Switch Online mobile app, introduced in 2017, was meant to bridge the gap, but its cumbersome design (requiring a separate device for chat) was widely criticized.
What’s Next?
With the Nintendo Switch 2’s reveal expected in 2025, we may not have to wait long for answers.
Nintendo Direct presentations are often the platform for major announcements, and the next one, rumored for April 2025, could provide more details on the console’s online features.
If this patent does indeed signal the arrival of integrated voice chat, it could mark a major shift in Nintendo’s approach to online gaming.
While some may still prefer external options like Discord, a built-in, seamless chat system could significantly enhance the multiplayer experience on Nintendo’s next-generation console.
For now, fans will have to wait and see – but if this patent is any indication, the future of voice chat on Nintendo consoles may finally be here.