Nintendo has officially launched GameChat, the new in-game communication feature for the Nintendo Switch 2—and with it, the company is making it clear that conversations held on the platform are recorded, at least temporarily. The policy has been outlined in updated user terms and a new consent agreement that appears on the system when users launch GameChat for the first time.
According to Nintendo, audio and video content from GameChat sessions is automatically recorded and stored locally—on both the user’s device and the devices of others participating in the chat. These recordings are not automatically uploaded or shared with Nintendo. However, if a user reports a violation of Nintendo’s Community Guidelines, selected segments of those recordings may be submitted for review.
The system allows users to access and review up to three minutes from each of the last three GameChat sessions, providing the option to highlight a specific portion of the recording for Nintendo’s moderation team. Crucially, these locally stored recordings are automatically deleted after 24 hours unless a report is submitted within that time window.
Nintendo emphasizes that these measures are in place to maintain a safe online environment—particularly for younger users. The company notes that any reported content may be reviewed not only by Nintendo staff but also by third parties, including law enforcement or legal representatives, depending on the severity of the violation. Users who do not consent to these terms will be unable to use GameChat at all.
The policy comes amid increasing scrutiny of in-game communications, where moderation of voice and video chats presents technical and ethical challenges. Unlike many other online platforms where users may interact with strangers, Nintendo’s GameChat is limited to confirmed friends only. It also requires that users verify a phone number tied to their Nintendo Account, adding another layer of accountability.
For minors, Nintendo has implemented additional parental controls. If a Switch 2 system contains both adult and child accounts, parents must set up the Nintendo Parental Controls app on a smartphone and sync it with the console. This allows for manual approval of new friend requests and video chat usage. Nintendo also recommends that parents actively supervise GameChat sessions, especially when minors are involved.
While some users may raise concerns over privacy, Nintendo’s time-limited, report-triggered recording system appears to strike a balance between moderation and minimal intrusion. Recordings are local by default, and Nintendo only receives clips when users initiate a report. However, the existence of any recording—particularly video content—does serve as a reminder that GameChat is not a fully private space.
Users concerned about being monitored during chats should review the GameChat Terms directly on the Switch 2 system and consider disabling the feature if they’re uncomfortable. Nintendo also notes that withdrawing consent will immediately revoke access to GameChat, but any previous recordings could still be submitted by others for up to 24 hours after creation.
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with real-time communication and safety, Nintendo’s approach reflects a cautious but structured strategy: prioritize community protection, especially for minors, while offering transparency about how user content may be reviewed, reported, or disclosed.
