GameChat is quickly becoming one of the most popular features of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, giving players a seamless way to voice chat and screen share during multiplayer sessions. But there’s a catch: a single GameChat session won’t last forever. As confirmed by Nintendo Soup and YouTuber Nathaniel Bandy, GameChat sessions have a maximum duration of 24 hours before automatically closing.
What Is GameChat on Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is packed with more power and usability features than its predecessor, including the introduction of a new C button on the updated Joy-Cons. Pressing the C button instantly launches GameChat, enabling real-time conversations with up to 12 players simultaneously. Even better, up to four players can screen share within the same session, making it ideal for both casual and competitive play.
To join a GameChat, players must first add their chat partners to their Nintendo Switch friends list. This added step improves privacy and ensures a stranger-free experience—a thoughtful security measure for parents and younger gamers.
GameChat’s 24-Hour Time Limit Explained
While GameChat offers a smooth and intuitive voice chat system, it does come with a 24-hour maximum session limit. Once a room hits the 24-hour mark, all players are automatically disconnected. Nintendo has implemented a warning system to inform users:
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A 30-minute warning
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A 5-minute warning
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A final 1-minute warning
After the session ends, players can immediately restart a new GameChat room if they want to keep talking.
This cap might not affect most casual players, but it’s worth noting for those who often game through the night or use voice chat during marathon multiplayer events.
Free for Now—But Not Forever
Currently, GameChat is available for free to all Nintendo Switch 2 owners. However, starting April 1, 2026, the feature will require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, aligning it with the rest of Nintendo’s online services.
For now, players can enjoy GameChat at no cost—but the clock is ticking.
The introduction of GameChat marks a major evolution for Nintendo’s online experience. While the 24-hour session limit might be a minor inconvenience for a few, the overall functionality—including multi-user voice chat, screen sharing, and easy access via the C button—is a major win.
As we approach the full reveal of the Switch 2, fans can look forward to a platform that truly feels next-gen—not just in graphics, but in how we connect and play together.