Gamers anticipating Nintendo Switch 2, but new "C Button" feature may come at a cost

The gaming community is eagerly awaiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, but a recent reveal from Nintendo might give some fans pause. According to the company, a new dedicated button on the controller will require a paid subscription to access its full functionality.

Specifically, the Switch 2 will include a new “C Button,” designed to quickly launch “GameChat”—a Discord-style communication app developed by Nintendo itself. GameChat enables players to chat via a built-in microphone, stream gameplay to friends, and even use an external camera for face-to-face video chats. It functions in both handheld and docked TV modes.

However, Nintendo has confirmed that after the free trial period ends on March 31, 2026, access to GameChat (and therefore the main function of the C Button) will require a paid Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription.

So what happens if you press the C Button without an NSO subscription? According to Bill Trinen, Nintendo’s VP of Player & Product Experience, the button will primarily display promotional content about the NSO subscription and its features. In other words, for non-subscribers, the C Button becomes essentially a “dead” button—it cannot be reassigned and mainly serves as a reminder of the NSO annual fee (currently $19.99 for the basic plan or $49.99 for the Expansion Pack).

Trinen explained that GameChat is “part of the overall platform experience,” and NSO is a “crucial piece” of Switch 2, offering additional exclusive benefits like access to legacy GameCube titles and free upgrades for Zelda games.

This decision means that in addition to the expected $449.99 price tag for the Switch 2, users will also need to consider the ongoing cost of an NSO subscription if they want to fully utilize the C Button and GameChat features.

Will GameChat be compelling enough to convince users to pay extra? The answer will only become clear after the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches, expected this June. But you don't have to wait to jump into the world of Nintendo magic. The original Nintendo Switch still delivers everything fans love—versatile play, a massive game library, and iconic titles that never get old. As always, for the latest news on hardware launches and industry developments, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.