Nintendo Drops Freebie For Switch 2's Worst Feature

Nintendo has released a new set of free downloads for Switch 2 users to take advantage of, based on the console’s most unpopular feature.

As we reported last month, Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat feature has become paywalled after being free since launch.

Effectively Nintendo’s own answer to party chat, the feature has been relatively unpopular with players who’d prefer to just use Discord to chat with their friends.

GameChat is basically a more locked-down version of Discord, limited to those who have a Switch 2 and active Nintendo Switch Online account. It also has a pretty significant performance hit, making it not worthwhile to choose over Discord.

Still, Nintendo is pretty keen to continue promoting GameChat as an incentive for signing up to Nintendo Switch Online, as evidenced by a new free drop that has been released.

New GameChat Themed Nintendo Switch 2 Icons Could Persuade You To Actually Use The Feature

As NSO Icon Alerts reports, loading up GameChat on your Switch 2 system will grant you 100 Platinum Points, and will also allow you to redeem an exclusive set of icons for your Nintendo Switch Online profile.

Start GameChat on your Nintendo Switch 2 to earn 100 Platinum Coins and claim exclusive GameChat themed #NintendoSwitchOnline icons! They will be available until April 22. #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitch2 pic.twitter.com/oNocVB0nsn

— ឵឵NSO Icon Alerts (@IconsNSO) April 2, 2026

These icons are themed after GameChat, featuring various caricatures of people engaging in social activities centred around the Nintendo Switch 2.

Each of these icons cost 10 Platinum Points each, and you’ll be able to feature them as an avatar on your Nintendo Switch Online profile.

If you want to pick these up, first load up GameChat on your Nintendo Switch 2 console to earn 100 Platinum Points, then go to the Nintendo Switch Online app on the home screen.

From here, navigate to ‘Missions & Rewards’ and then find the new GameChat icons available for you to pick up.

Each of the icons in this set are available to pick up until 22 April, at which point they’ll be taken down. So, be quick if you want to grab any of them.