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

Hori's Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera boasts a resolution of just 480p, significantly lower than the 1080p resolution offered by Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has verified these specifications:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Camera - Video capture quality: 1080p.
• Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 - Camera resolution: 640 × 480.

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 important to note that users have the flexibility to use either the Nintendo Switch 2 camera accessory or any compatible USB-C camera with the Switch 2. Both cameras are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.

The Piranha Plant camera offers unique features, including the ability to detach the webcam from its pot, allowing users to place it directly on top of the Switch 2 for added portability—a feature absent in Nintendo's own camera. Additionally, users can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens.

The gaming community expressed surprise and humor upon learning about the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution. Reddit user Ramen536Pie questioned, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost found it amusing, suggesting, "Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 jokingly asked, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"

During the recent Nintendo Direct, the company unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat feature, 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 interact using a camera and a built-in microphone, which is designed to work reliably across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is poised to be a comprehensive multiplayer tool, potentially marking Nintendo's most impactful online feature in years.

For more insights on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our coverage of everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and updates on how Trump's tariffs might affect the Switch 2's pricing.