Nintendo Switch 2’s C Button Will Require an Online Subscription After Free Trial, Nintendo Clarifies

Nintendo has clarified that after the first free trial period, the C Button and its related features will require a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.

As we’ve seen, the new features brought by Nintendo Switch 2 to Nintendo Switch Online include many things, especially the introduction of GameChat. GameChat is a system for voice and video communication activated through the new C Button on the console.

However, these features will only be available to those who pay for a subscription, at least for the basic one that allows multiplayer gaming. While the service will be free for everyone at first, this point could have been unclear to some people.

Free Until March 2026, Then Subscription Required

As announced during the presentation of the C Button and GameChat features, using the C Button and GameChat will be free until March 31, 2026. This means there will be a long introductory period where everyone can use the chat without paying.

However, starting in April 2026, these features will only be available to those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The price of the subscription has not changed from the current rates.

This means GameChat will be available with the basic subscription, which costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 every 3 months, or $19.99 per year for a single account. If you get the Expansion Pack on Switch 2, you will also be able to access classic Nintendo GameCube games.

To use GameChat, you will also need a special camera for video connections and sharing gameplay.