Hori’s upcoming Piranha Plant camera for the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a resolution of just 480p, significantly lower than the official Nintendo Switch 2 camera. According to the UK My Nintendo Store, the official camera supports video capture at 1080p, while Hori's Piranha Plant variant is listed with a resolution of 640 × 480.

Despite its lower resolution, Hori’s Piranha Plant camera has several appealing features. It is officially licensed by Nintendo and comes at a more affordable price point compared to the $49.99 official Switch 2 camera. Additionally, users have the flexibility to use either the official camera or any compatible USB-C webcam with the Switch 2 console. Both cameras are scheduled to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

One standout feature of the Piranha Plant camera is its unique design. The webcam housed inside the Piranha’s head can be detached from the pot and placed directly on top of the Switch 2, offering greater portability and positioning options that Nintendo’s own camera lacks. Furthermore, the plant’s mouth can be closed over the lens, providing a built-in privacy cover.

Despite these conveniences, many Nintendo fans were surprised—and not in a good way—by the camera’s 480p resolution. Reddit user Ramen536Pie expressed disbelief: “How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera.” Others took a more humorous approach, with LizardsoftheGhost joking, “Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out,” while pokemonfitness1420 added, “Isn’t 480p a crime nowadays?”

Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 C Button & Camera Reveal

During last week’s Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo introduced GameChat, a new social feature activated by pressing the C button on the Switch 2’s updated Joy-Con controllers. This functionality allows players to watch each other play, whether they’re enjoying the same game or different titles. With the addition of a compatible camera, players can also see one another during sessions.

GameChat includes a built-in microphone designed to function reliably across various gaming environments, making it easier than ever to connect with friends. The C button interface is intended to serve as an all-in-one solution for multiplayer interactions, potentially marking Nintendo’s most significant step forward in online gameplay in years.

For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2, including everything announced during the latest Nintendo Direct, our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America’s Bill Trinen, and how Trump’s tariffs might affect the console’s pricing, stay tuned to [ttpp].