Nintendo Switch 2 Camera: 1080p vs. Hori's 480p Piranha Plant Model

Hori's Piranha Plant camera for the Nintendo Switch 2, despite being officially licensed by Nintendo, comes with a resolution of just 480p. This is a significant step down from the resolution offered by Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera, which boasts a video capture quality of 1080p. The UK My Nintendo Store has confirmed these resolutions for both cameras.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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Priced lower than Nintendo’s own $49.99 camera, the Hori Piranha Plant camera offers a more budget-friendly option. Both cameras are set to be released alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5. Importantly, the Switch 2 supports not only the official Nintendo camera accessory but also any compatible USB-C camera, enhancing its versatility for users.

The Piranha Plant camera features unique functionality. The part of the camera that houses the webcam can be detached from the pot, allowing it to be placed directly on top of the Switch 2 for increased portability—a feature not available with Nintendo’s own camera. Additionally, the camera's lens can be obscured by closing the plant's mouth, adding a fun and practical element to the device.

The news of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution has sparked a variety of reactions among Nintendo fans. Reddit user Ramen536Pie questioned the feasibility of producing a 480p camera in 2025, suggesting it might be more challenging than creating a 1080p one. LizardsoftheGhost found humor in the situation, suggesting the camera might have been intended for the earlier Wii U. Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 humorously wondered if 480p resolution could be considered outdated to the point of being a crime.

During last week's Nintendo Direct, the company unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat functionality, which is activated by pressing the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other play the same or different games, and with the help of a camera, even see one another. The built-in microphone promises reliability across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is designed to be a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most significant online push in years.

For more information on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out our coverage of everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our exclusive interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and insights into the impact of Trump's tariffs on the Switch 2.