Nintendo Switch 2: Mysterious C Button's Unexpected Role

Updated on January 14: This article's original Discord server link, incorrectly identified as "Nintendo Switch 2," has been corrected. The following information reflects the updated source.

Summary

Rumors suggest the Nintendo Switch 2's extra "C" button may facilitate chat functionality. Recent datamining of the latest 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 dedicated to chat functions, according to a new report. This could solve a lingering mystery surrounding the console's hardware.

Leaks since late 2024, likely due to mass production, consistently show the Switch 2 with an additional button—a dark gray "C"—on the right Joy-Con, below the home button. Its purpose, however, 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

This same source indicates "Campus" will include screen sharing for groups of up to 12 users. While the codename starts with "C," the button's function is more likely "chat" than directly related to "Campus." This refutes earlier theories suggesting the "C" button was for screen casting.

Chat Support: A Departure from the Switch's Kid-Friendly Design?

Since group and voice chats require online connectivity, they would likely be exclusive to NSO subscribers. However, this is uncertain, given the original Switch's design consciously avoided such features to maintain a kid-friendly environment. Reintroducing chat could present challenges Nintendo might prefer to avoid.

The existence and function of the "C" button, along with other details about the Switch 2, may be revealed soon. Multiple sources point to an official announcement this Thursday, January 16th.