Summary
According to Nintendo, the GameChat feature of the upcomingSwitch 2system will support text-to-speech and live subtitles as accessibility options that players can use as needed. A short video was posted that demonstrated how text-to-speech works in GameChat on theSwitch 2, along with a follow-up that explained how live subtitles will look on the console.
GameChat is one of the main selling points of the Switch 2. Based on programs like Discord, GameChat will allow groups of friends to host video and audio calls while playing Switch 2 games. GameChat utilizes the built-in microphone on the Switch 2 system and the Pro Controller, and video calls will support any USB-C camera.GameChat can be accessed by pressing the C buttonon the right Joy-Con 2 Controller or in the middle of the Pro Controller. GameChat will be a free feature for all Switch 2 users until Jul 24, 2025. After that, GameChat will require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use.
AlthoughNintendo can monitor any GameChat video and audio calls, the feature will also include some accessibility options that players can utilize.As reported by VGCand OatmealDome on social media, GameChat will include text-to-speech and live subtitles as options for players to use during a call. OatmealDome posted a short video that showed how GameChat’s text-to-speech can be utilized. After pressing the C button and pulling up the GameChat menu, an option for text-to-speech will appear above the mic and camera options.
GameChat Will Include Text-To-Speech and Live Subtitle Options
Following that, a keyboard in the user’s language will appear on the screen, which can then be used to type a message to be transcribed by the system, such as a statement or a question. The Switch 2 will then read out the question in the system’s language, though it is not known how many voices will be included. In a follow-up post, OatmealDome stated that GameChat will also include live, automatically generated subtitles that can transcribe what each user says and display it on the right side.
Although it is unclear if the Switch 2 will support USB keyboards like the original Switch does, the text-to-speech option leaves that door open for Nintendo to utilize. This accessibility feature follows a pattern that other gaming giants likeSteam have taken toward providing more accessibility optionsto gamers across the globe.
Thoughdemand for the Switch 2 will test Nintendo’s supply, features like GameChat could make multiplayer games more enjoyable for users. It remains to be seen how Nintendo will improve GameChat’s accessibility options after the new system launches on June 5.
