Historically, Nintendo has had a weird relationship with the internet. Although its systems embraced online play years ago, their functionality has lagged behind rivals in terms of communication. The Switch 2 promises one of the company’s most ambitious online features yet with GameChat, which is the system's new online communication system. I tested it before launch to see how Nintendo uses cameras and microphones to turn online gaming into a more fun, welcoming experience.

GameChat is so baked into the Switch 2 experience that there's a dedicated button for it on the Joy-Con controllers. Pressing the new C button launches the GameChat menu that lets you create a lobby or see which friends are online and ready to play. Parents, you can block these features by utilizing Nintendo's parental controls.

I spent the GameChat demo playing The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, the multiplayer Game Boy Advance Zelda title that supports online play via Nintendo Switch Online. Considering that the game is all about cooperation, being able to communicate with teammates makes sense. However, GameChat isn't tied to any particular game. Every member in the lobby can play whatever they want, or nothing at all, while hanging out with the group. You can even see what friends are playing and go directly to the Switch’s online shop to buy the game if you're interested.