Nintendo is taking a bold step forward in accessible gaming with GameChat, a key new feature in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 system. GameChat will introduce long-requested accessibility options, including text-to-speech and live subtitles, offering a more inclusive multiplayer experience for gamers with hearing, speech, or cognitive disabilities.
GameChat: A Social Revolution for Nintendo Players
Inspired by apps like Discord, GameChat is designed to allow friends to engage in audio and video chats while playing games together on the Switch 2. It utilizes the built-in microphone of both the console and the Pro Controller, and it supports video through any USB-C compatible camera.
Players can access GameChat by pressing the C button—located on the right Joy-Con 2 or at the center of the Pro Controller. The feature will be free for all users until March 31, 2026, after which it will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Accessibility Features in GameChat
One of the most talked-about additions is GameChat’s accessibility suite, confirmed by Nintendo and demonstrated in a short video shared by industry tracker OatmealDome on social media.
These accessibility tools include:
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Text-to-Speech: Converts typed text into voice during voice chats, ideal for users with speech impairments. The option appears in the GameChat menu above the mic and camera settings.
[Switch 2]
GameChat supports text-to-speech. If enabled, you can type in text and the system will read it for you.
While not explicitly confirmed, USB keyboards should be supported too (the Switch 1 already supports them for text input).
— OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) May 16, 2025 at 10:49 PM
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Live Subtitles: Automatically transcribes spoken words into on-screen captions in real-time, supporting gamers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
[Switch 2]
GameChat supports live subtitles. The system can transcribe what everyone is saying and display it in a “chat box” on screen.
— OatmealDome (@oatmealdome.bsky.social) May 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
These features can be toggled on or off based on user preference, ensuring maximum flexibility and inclusivity without compromising the multiplayer experience.
Privacy and Monitoring
Nintendo has confirmed that it can monitor audio and video calls made through GameChat to ensure safety and moderation. However, all accessibility settings will remain private and customizable by the user.
Why This Matters for the Gaming Community
The integration of these accessibility tools reflects a growing awareness in the industry: inclusion leads to better games for everyone. With millions of gamers facing accessibility challenges, tools like GameChat’s text-to-speech and live subtitles can be the difference between exclusion and full participation.
By making these features a standard offering—not a third-party add-on—Nintendo is showing it’s serious about creating a gaming ecosystem for everyone.
With the Nintendo Switch 2, accessibility is no longer an afterthought. GameChat’s innovative features, particularly text-to-speech and live subtitles, set a new benchmark in inclusive game design. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the community, Nintendo is making sure everyone gets to play—and be heard.