Summary
Two weeks from today, when theNintendo Switch 2launches worldwide,one of the biggest features it’ll be touting is GameChat.Remember that mysterious “C” button ahead of the Switch 2 reveal? Well,it’ll help unlock an array of communication features similar to Discord, including the ability to chat with friends and share your screen.
As it stands,the feature will be free until March 2026. After that,you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online membership, otherwise the “C” button will be rather useless. Now, it’s also been revealed that you’ll need a valid phone number to access the GameChat feature.
Mario Will Need To See Your Digits Before Letting You Chat
As spotted by multiple users online, the fine print of Nintendo’s GameChat functionality states that “Mobile phone number registration required to use GameChat.”
At the moment, Nintendo has not explained exactly why a phone number is required to access the feature, though there are a few reasons why this is likely the case.
To start, the company likely wants to ensure that arealperson is making use of the feature while also creating a digital papertrail in the event that the feature is abused. In the event that GameChat is abused, then the number and account will be blocked, and without another valid number, the offender won’t be able to access GameChat again.
It hasn’t been stated whether VOIP numbers are blocked, though that seems fairly likely.
Not only that, but should the feature be seriously or illegally misused, then there’s a phone number attached to the account that could be traced by the authorities. In that same vein, it’ll likely deter those who would misuse the services knowing that there is more than an email address registered to the account.
Either way, it looks like Nintendo is putting the safety and security of its consumers first. It may sound like an overreach to need a number, but there’s no doubt it’ll help keep bad actors away.
