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

Hori's Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera, while officially licensed by Nintendo, comes with a modest resolution of just 480p. This is significantly lower than the 1080p resolution offered by Nintendo's own Switch 2 camera, as confirmed by the UK My Nintendo Store. The Piranha Plant camera, priced lower than Nintendo's $49.99 camera, is set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, along with Nintendo's own camera accessory.

One unique feature of the Piranha Plant camera is its detachable design. The part of the Piranha that houses the webcam can be separated from the pot, allowing users to place it directly on top of the Switch 2 for added portability—a feature not available with Nintendo's camera. Additionally, users can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, adding a fun and functional element to the accessory.

The news of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution has sparked a mix of shock and humor among Nintendo fans. On 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, suggesting, "Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 humorously asked, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"

During last week's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat functionality, which can be 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, see each other as well. The built-in microphone is designed to be reliable across various gaming environments, and the C button's chat menu aims to be a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most successful online initiative in decades.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, check out everything announced 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's pricing.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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It's worth noting that the Switch 2 supports not only its official camera accessory but also any compatible USB-C camera, offering users flexibility in their choice of hardware.