You can now use Pixel phones as a Switch 2 webcam

When it launched the Switch 2’s compatibility with various webcams was hit or miss. A webcam isn’t a necessary accessory, but since the Switch 2 lacks one of its own, you need one to take full advantage of the console’s GameChat feature that can livestream players’ faces during multiplayer matches. Switch 2 webcam compatibility has since improved, but if you don’t already own one, you can now use your Pixel smartphone, according to Android Authority.

Despite Nintendo’s claims that the Switch 2 works with most USB webcams, our own testing confirmed that Pixel smartphones could not be used as webcams at launch, even with the device’s settings switched to the USB webcam mode that Google introduced with Android 14. Switch 2 users eventually found that Android phones and iPhones could be used as a webcam for the console, but with the help of additional USB-C to HDMI adapters, and HDMI capture cables.

But extra hardware is no longer needed to use a Pixel smartphone as a Switch 2 webcam. We tested a Pixel 9 Pro connected directly to the Switch 2’s top USB-C port with a single cable and, after switching the USB preferences to “Webcam” mode, we were able to use the smartphone as the camera for GameChat. If you’re playing multiplayer games like Mario Kart World, GameChat lets you not only speak with other competitors around the world, but also see them superimposed over a livestream of them playing if you’re using a webcam.

It’s not known if recent updates on Google’s or Nintendo’s end are responsible for making this work (the Pixel 9 Pro we tested it with is running the Android 16 December release), but it’s a welcome upgrade for those who frequently travel with their Switch 2 and don’t want to lug a separate webcam everywhere they go.