Owners of the Nintendo Switch 2, which does not include an integrated camera, must rely on an outside camera for GameChat video sessions. However, those with a Google Pixel smartphone can bypass this requirement entirely. According to a Friday report from Android Authority, Pixel phones integrate seamlessly with the console for this purpose without requiring additional software, a capability verified through independent testing.
For the past two years, Google has enabled Android smartphones to function as external webcams, introducing the feature in a periodic Android 14 release. This support specifically involves activating USB Video Class (UVC) compatibility on compatible devices. Prior to the November Pixel Drop update, however, this option remained incompatible with the Switch 2 hardware.
Evidence points to the November update as the key change: Prior to installing it on a Pixel device, the webcam integration with the Switch 2 failed. Following the installation of the November version—yet prior to the December update—the feature operated successfully, as demonstrated in tests conducted by Editor-in-Chief Aaron Souppouris.
Further supporting this timeline, the release notes for the November firmware mentioned resolving a problem that caused webcam mode to malfunction with attached devices in specific scenarios. The publication has contacted Google seeking formal verification and plans to revise the article upon receiving any response.