Summary

• Owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 can utilize their smartphones for camera functions, providing a cost-effective alternative to the official peripheral.
• Specific cables are required for the smartphone trick, available for around $30.
• The Switch 2 is compatible with most USB-C webcams, offering additional budget-friendly options.

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Detailed Information

For those who have not purchased the official $55 camera accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2, a useful workaround exists that allows players to use their smartphones instead. This function is made possible by connecting a few specific types of cables to their Nintendo Switch 2, thus saving them money while still gaining similar functionality.

The latest console from Nintendo hit the market on June 5, and initial sales are reportedly thriving. Along with the console’s launch, many officially sanctioned Switch 2 accessories became accessible, including new Joy-Cons, carrying cases, and the additional camera.

How to Use Your Smartphone as a Camera

To utilize a smartphone as a camera with the Nintendo Switch 2, owners will require a USB-C to HDMI cable for their phone and an HDMI capture cable to connect it to the Switch. These cables are easy to find online and together cost about $30. Additionally, it’s advisable to download a camera app that does not display on-screen controls, avoiding any visual disruptions.

Once the setup is complete, a demonstration indicates that the image from the smartphone is transfered to the Switch 2’s built-in screen with only minimal lag.

For even simpler alternatives, players might consider connecting a USB-C webcam, as Nintendo has confirmed compatibility with most models. While neither option replicates the thematic design of the dedicated Switch 2 Piranha Plant camera, they provide economical alternatives for users aiming to take full advantage of the console’s camera capabilities.