Hori's Piranha Plant camera for the Nintendo Switch 2, while officially licensed by Nintendo, offers a surprisingly low resolution of just 480p. This is significantly less than the 1080p resolution provided by Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera, as confirmed by the UK My Nintendo Store.
The Piranha Plant camera, despite its lower resolution, comes at a more affordable price point than Nintendo's $49.99 camera. It's worth noting that users have the flexibility to use either the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory or any compatible USB-C camera with the new console. Both the Piranha Plant and the official camera are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.
One unique feature of the Piranha Plant camera is its detachable design. The part of the camera that houses the webcam can be separated from the pot, allowing you to place it directly on top of the Switch 2 for added portability—a feature not found in Nintendo's camera. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, providing an extra level of privacy.
The revelation of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution has sparked significant reactions among Nintendo fans. Reddit user Ramen536Pie questioned, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost found humor in the situation, saying, "That’s actually hilarious. Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 pondered, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"
During the recent Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat functionality, which can be activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other playing the same or different games and, with a camera, even see one another. The built-in microphone is designed to be reliable across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is intended to be a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most successful online initiative in years.
For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our coverage of everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and insights into how Trump's tariffs might affect the Switch 2's pricing.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow
12 Images
