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

Hori's Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera boasts a modest resolution of just 480p, significantly lower than the 1080p offered by Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has officially confirmed these resolutions, providing clarity for potential buyers:

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

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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Despite its lower resolution, Hori's Piranha Plant camera, officially licensed by Nintendo, comes at a more budget-friendly price compared to Nintendo's own $49.99 camera. It's also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch 2 supports a variety of camera options, including the official accessory and any compatible USB-C camera. Both the Piranha Plant camera and Nintendo's camera are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.

The Piranha Plant camera offers unique functionality, as 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 not found in Nintendo's camera. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, adding a fun and interactive element to your gaming setup.

The news of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution sparked surprise among Nintendo fans. Reddit user Ramen536Pie expressed disbelief, saying, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost found it amusing, commenting, "That’s actually hilarious. Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 humorously questioned, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"

During last week's Nintendo Direct, the company unveiled the Switch 2’s GameChat functionality, accessible via 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 promises reliable performance across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is designed to be a comprehensive multiplayer tool, potentially marking Nintendo's most impactful online initiative in years.

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