Nintendo Switch 2 'C' button adds feature we've been begging for

Nintendo Switch 2 Direct is airing as I write this, and Nintendo just showed off what that mysterious ‘C’ button does.

On the Joy Con 2, a ‘C’ button can be found below the old home button - and for ages, we’ve been wondering what it does.

Well, it’ll be a chat button for Nintendo Switch 2, called Game Chat.

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A built-in microphone on the console will pick up your voice from anywhere in the room, and connect you to friends.

Essentially a party chat feature, it will help communicate when in games, but also if you’re playing different games.

From what we’ve seen, your friends will be displayed along the bottom of your TV, or on-screen in handheld mode.

You can take photos together, stream footage to each other, and use the ‘C’ button to mute your call, or choose from options.

This feature works with the new Nintendo Switch 2 camera, a separate item that can be set next to your TV, and you’ll be able to see your friends on-screen, or even in character squares in supported games.

A Nintendo Switch Online membership will be needed for this feature, however, on launch, the Switch 2 will offer a free trial for the Game Chat feature, allowing players to try it before they subscribe. This period will end on 31 March 2026.

Nintendo showcased several games that will focus on this Game Chat feature, and they hope that players will join each other in more online games, being able to see and hear each other with ease while playing.

An interesting feature is being able to grab screenshots with your mates in the game image, which can then be shared together.

There is noise-cancelling technology within the microphone, allowing the console to tune out background noise, and elevate the sound of your voice. And with the Switch 2's surround sound features, it'll be like your mates are in the room.