Hori's Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera boasts a resolution of just 480p, which pales in comparison to the superior 1080p video capture quality of Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has confirmed the resolutions for both devices, shedding light on the significant difference between them.
Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow
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Despite its lower resolution, Hori's Piranha Plant camera, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, comes at a more affordable price than Nintendo's own $49.99 camera. It's also important to note that the Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with its official camera accessory as well as any other compatible USB-C camera. Both cameras are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.
The Piranha Plant camera offers some unique features. The part 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 that Nintendo's camera does not have. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, providing an extra layer of privacy.
Nintendo fans were taken aback by the news of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution. Reddit user Ramen536Pie questioned, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost found it amusing, joking, "Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 remarked, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"
During last week's Nintendo Direct, the company unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat feature, which is activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature enables players to watch each other play the same or different games and, with the aid of a camera, even see one another. The built-in microphone is designed to be reliable across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is intended to serve as a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most successful online initiative in decades.
For more details on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out everything revealed 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.
