Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: Official 1080p vs Hori's 480p

Hori's Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera boasts a resolution of just 480p, which is significantly lower than the 1080p resolution of Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has confirmed these specifications, highlighting the difference in video capture quality between the two.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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Despite its lower resolution, Hori's Piranha Plant camera, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, comes at a more affordable price than Nintendo's $49.99 camera. It's also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch 2 supports not only its own camera accessory but also any compatible USB-C camera. Both cameras are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.

The Piranha Plant camera offers unique functionality. The part of the Piranha that houses the webcam can detach from the pot, allowing you to place it directly on top of the Switch 2 for added portability—a feature that Nintendo's camera does not have. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, providing an extra layer of privacy.

Nintendo fans expressed surprise and amusement at the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution. "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025?" questioned redditor Ramen536Pie. "That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost humorously remarked, "That’s actually hilarious. Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 added, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"

During last week's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat functionality, which is activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other play the same or different games and, with the help of a camera, even see each other. The built-in microphone is designed to be reliable across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is poised to be a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most successful online initiative in decades.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and the latest updates on the impact of Trump's tariffs on the Switch 2.