GameChat on the go: Pixel phones now work as webcams for Switch 2

One of the coolest features of the new Switch 2 is GameChat. It allows you to join group video calls where everyone shares their game screen and camera feed, letting you see your friends’ reactions in real-time while you play Mario Kart or Smash Bros.

There is just one problem: the Switch 2 doesn’t have a built-in camera. To use GameChat, you have to plug in an external USB webcam. While that’s fine for playing on the TV at home, nobody wants to lug a webcam around in their backpack just to play on the go. Well, if you have a Google Pixel phone, you no longer have to. Thanks to a quiet update, spotted by Android Authority, your Pixel can now function as a high-quality, plug-and-play webcam for the Switch 2.

This wasn’t always the case. When the Switch 2 first launched, many users noticed that while Pixel phones should have worked via their native USB Webcam mode, the Switch 2 simply refused to recognize them. The connection would start and then immediately drop.

However, users have recently reported that this handshake issue has been resolved. Whether it was a Nintendo firmware update or a tweak on the Google side, Pixel phones are now recognized as valid USB video devices by the console.

How to use a Pixel as a webcam for the Switch 2

The best part about this feature is that it requires absolutely zero dongles, capture cards, or HDMI adapters. It utilizes the native USB-C Webcam feature Google introduced back in Android 14.

1. Plug it in: Connect your Pixel to the USB-C port on your Switch 2 using a standard USB-C cable.
2. Change USB Mode: On your Pixel, tap the “Charging this device via USB” notification.
3. Select Webcam: Under “Use USB for,” select Webcam.

That’s it. Your Switch 2 should instantly pick up the video feed for GameChat!

Why this is a big deal

Aside from the obvious convenience of not carrying extra gear, this is a big webcam upgrade for most people, too. Your Pixel’s camera is vastly superior to almost any dedicated USB webcam on the market. You are getting better dynamic range, better low-light performance, and a sharper image, all from the device already in your pocket.

It’s worth noting that this feature relies on the device supporting the standard UVC (USB Video Class) protocol. While Android supports this natively now, Google is one of the few manufacturers that has enabled it seamlessly for users. So, if you needed another reason to love your Pixel, you can now add “best Nintendo Switch accessory” to the list!