Nintendo's Switch 2 Camera: 1080p vs. Hori's 480p Piranha Plant Model

The Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera, while officially licensed by Nintendo, offers a modest resolution of 480p, which pales in comparison to the 1080p video capture quality of Nintendo's official Switch 2 camera. The UK My Nintendo Store has confirmed these specifications, providing clarity on the differences between the two cameras.

Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 C Button & Camera Slideshow

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Despite its lower resolution, the Hori Piranha Plant camera comes at a more affordable price point compared to Nintendo's $49.99 camera. Additionally, the versatility of the Nintendo Switch 2 allows for the use of the official camera accessory or any compatible USB-C camera. Both cameras are set to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5.

The Piranha Plant camera offers a unique feature: the part of the camera that houses the webcam can be detached from the pot, allowing it to be placed directly on top of the Switch 2 for enhanced portability, a feature not available with Nintendo's own camera. Additionally, you can close the plant's mouth to cover the lens, adding a playful touch to the design.

The revelation of the Piranha Plant camera's 480p resolution sparked a wave of reactions among Nintendo fans. Redditor Ramen536Pie expressed disbelief, questioning, "How do you even make a 480p camera in 2025? That must be harder to do than a 1080p camera." LizardsoftheGhost found humor in the situation, suggesting, "Maybe they meant to release this back when the Wii U came out." Meanwhile, pokemonfitness1420 quipped, "Isn't 480p a crime nowadays?"

During last week's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2's GameChat functionality, which can be activated with a press of the C button on the new Joy-Con. This feature allows players to watch each other playing the same or different games and, with the assistance of a camera, even see one another. The built-in microphone ensures reliable communication across various gaming environments. The C button's chat menu is poised to be a comprehensive multiplayer feature, potentially marking Nintendo's most successful online initiative in years.

For more on the Nintendo Switch 2, explore our coverage of everything announced during the Nintendo Direct, our interview with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen, and insights into the impact of Trump's tariffs on the Switch 2.