Updated on January 14: This article's original Discord server link, incorrectly identified as "Nintendo Switch 2," has been updated to reflect the accurate source of the datamining information.
Summary
Rumors suggest the Nintendo Switch 2's extra "C" button may be dedicated to chat functionality. Recent datamining of the Switch OS reveals a feature codenamed "Campus," hinting at group and voice chat support for Nintendo Switch Online. The official Switch 2 reveal is expected on January 16th.
The rumored "C" button on the Nintendo Switch 2 may be a dedicated chat button, according to a new report. This could solve a significant mystery surrounding the hardware of Nintendo's next console.
Leaks since late 2024, likely due to mass production, consistently show the Switch 2 with an extra button—a dark gray "C"—on the right Joy-Con, below the home button. However, its purpose remained unknown until now.
Datamining of the latest Switch OS, reported by a growing Discord server focused on the Switch 2, uncovered references to a feature called "Campus." This appears to be group and voice chat functionality for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
Nintendo Switch 2: Screen Sharing Capabilities
The same source indicates Campus will also include screen sharing, supporting up to 12 users in chat groups. While the codename starts with "C," if linked to the new button, it's more likely the "C" stands for "chat" rather than "Campus," dispelling theories about screen casting functionality.
Chat Support: A Departure from the Switch's Kid-Friendly Focus?
Group and voice chats require online connectivity, suggesting NSO subscription would be necessary. This is a significant departure from the original Switch's design, which prioritized a kid-friendly experience by omitting such features. Reintroducing chat could raise concerns Nintendo may wish to avoid.
The existence and purpose of the "C" button—and much more about the Switch 2—may be revealed soon. Multiple sources point to an official announcement this Thursday, January 16th.
