Nintendo is reportedly making a major leap in online gaming for the upcoming Switch 2, addressing one of the biggest complaints from fans – the lack of built-in voice chat.
According to a newly discovered patent filed in late February 2025, Nintendo could be integrating OS-level voice chat into the next-gen console.
Currently, Nintendo Switch players must use a separate Nintendo Switch Online app on their smartphones to communicate with friends while gaming.
This has been a frustrating limitation compared to the seamless in-game voice chat available on competing consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
However, if this new patent translates into an actual feature, Switch 2 players will be able to chat directly through the console, without needing an external device.
Interestingly, the patent also hints at proximity-based voice chat, a feature where the volume and clarity of a player’s voice change depending on their in-game distance from others.
This could add an immersive layer to multiplayer experiences, especially in Nintendo’s first-party games like Splatoon, Super Smash Bros., or Animal Crossing.
Imagine being in a vast open world where your teammates sound louder when they’re close but fade away as they move further, similar to real-world interactions. If implemented well, this could set Nintendo apart from other gaming giants.
A New Joy-Con Button for Voice Chat?
Another intriguing rumor comes from controller leaks, suggesting that the Switch 2’s Joy-Con controllers will feature a new button. Speculation is growing that this button could be tied to voice chat features, such as quickly muting or activating chat.
Nintendo has been known to experiment with hardware innovations, and if this turns out to be a dedicated chat button, it would show a clear effort to make online gaming more accessible.
If the Nintendo Switch 2 launches with built-in voice chat, it would be a huge win for Nintendo’s online ecosystem. It would bring the platform closer to modern online gaming standards while making multiplayer titles more engaging.
Of course, as with all patents, this doesn’t guarantee that voice chat will make it into the final product. However, given the persistent demand for this feature, Nintendo may finally be listening to its players.
