The recent avalanche of Switch 2 leaks may have outed every little detail about the console’s design but one big mystery remained: What exactly is the deal with that brand new button on the console’s right Joy-Con?
Speculation was rife among fans, with guesses including a potential social feature, an improved screen capture function, or some sort of new camera perk (after all, the button did contain the letter “C”).
If a new leak is to be believed, at least one of those theories wasn’t far off the mark. Over on Discord, the admins of a Switch messaging board claimed the new button is for a chat feature dubbed “Campus”.
Thanks to the upgrade, Switch 2 users will be able to voice chat with each other, including in groups of up to 12 Nintendo Switch Online members. It will also allow players to share their screen with others, which could be great for showing off your skills in real time.
It is unclear if the entire function will be tied to Nintendo’s subscription service, which allows people to play with friends and access a library of older games.
Nevertheless, it sounds like a massive upgrade over the Switch’s current voice chat function.
A Switch 2 dummy unit from accessory maker Genki
Genki
Unlike the system-wide voice chat available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the Switch comes with different options based on the game you are playing. For Nintendo’s in-house exclusives, like Mario Kart, you need to download a separate mobile app to talk to other players. Whereas games like Fortnite and Overwatch come with built-in voice chat directly through the console.
If Nintendo truly is creating a more powerful device capable of playing the latest third-party games, including competitive multiplayer titles like Call of Duty, then a seamless voice chat feature will be essential.
How did the Discord admin members unravel the secrets of the new feature? They apparently data-mined the Switch operating system and the leaked software development kit (a set of tools and resources provided by manufacturers to game developers).
Data mining involves analysing game files to uncover hidden or unreleased content, such as upcoming features or updates.
Switch 2 release date: When will Nintendo announce the new console?
After more than a year of speculation, industry insiders and the tech press appear to have reached a consensus on when Nintendo is likely to unveil the Switch 2.
The date on everyone’s lips is Thursday January 16, with an expected release date between March and June. Leaks suggested the Switch 2 will be a bigger and more powerful gaming device featuring an 8-inch screen, magnetic Joy-Cons and beefier hardware powered by a custom Nvidia chip.
Nintendo appears to be aware of the anticipation as it posted a tantalising teaser on X (formerly Twitter).
“Drinking the milk, spilling the tea,” the company stated in a cryptic tweet containing a short clip from Super Mario Party Jamboree. The phrase “spill the tea” means to share gossip or reveal something big so it sounds as if Nintendo is preparing fans for a massive announcement.
To add fuel to the fire, US retailer Walmart posted the same image Nintendo used for its original Switch reveal in 2016 (of Mario peeking behind a curtain) with the caption “Hey, Mario.”
Something big is clearly on the cards.