Nintendo has lagged behind PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S when it comes to online features, but that could be about to change. A newly discovered patent suggests that Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a long-overdue voice chat system, bringing it in line with modern gaming expectations.
For years, players have had to rely on third-party apps like Discord or Nintendo’s own clunky smartphone app just to communicate with teammates. Now, if this patent leads to a real feature, Switch 2 could introduce native in-game chat and even proximity-based voice chat—a feature that PlayStation and Xbox have supported for years.
A recently discovered patent details a built-in voice chat system for Nintendo Switch 2. This isn’t just standard party chat; the documents reference proximity chat, meaning you’d be able to hear other players based on how close they are in-game. This could be a huge deal for online titles like Splatoon or a potential Nintendo Battle Royale game.
Nintendo’s approach to online gaming has always been restrictive, often requiring extra steps just to do basic multiplayer communication. But with Sony and Microsoft making voice chat a seamless experience, it seems like Nintendo is finally catching up to the competition. If this system makes it into the final console, Switch 2 could finally feel like a modern online gaming platform with no need to juggle separate apps just to talk to friends. Matchmaking in multiplayer titles like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. would be significantly improved, and first-party games could finally support in-game voice chat the way most modern titles do.
One of the most exciting aspects is Nintendo’s potential use of proximity chat. In theory, this could lead to entirely new game mechanics where players can overhear each other’s conversations based on their in-game location. Proximity chat has been used in survival and strategy games to create tension and immersive team coordination, and if Nintendo chooses to implement it, it could bring a whole new level of depth to online multiplayer experiences.
While the patent looks neat, it’s worth remembering that Nintendo has filed plenty of patents that never turned into actual features. The company has always been hesitant about online interactions, often focusing on family-friendly gaming experiences instead of full-fledged voice communication.
However, with Switch 2 rumored to be a more powerful system, a proper online infrastructure feels necessary. If Nintendo wants to compete in the next-gen gaming space, it needs to match Sony and Microsoft in features, not just hardware power.
Can’t wait for Nintendo Switch 2? Go check the Pocket Tactics guide to the best Switch games to play today.