Nintendo’s Next Console Could Pay You To Talk
Nintendo is reportedly preparing to hand out rewards if you try its new system-level voice and text features on the next Switch. GameSpot reports that internal documentation references "GameChat" on the so-called "Switch 2," along with incentives meant to nudge players to actually use it—something the original Switch never truly supported at the system level.
That push makes sense. Switch owners have relied on third-party apps or Nintendo’s clunky phone solution for years, and convincing millions to switch habits isn’t easy. By tying bonuses to first-time use and ongoing engagement, Nintendo appears ready to sweeten the deal on day one.
What “GameChat” Looks Like
According to the report, "GameChat" is positioned as a built-in, cross-game communication layer for voice and text. Think party chat you can carry from one game to another, quick friend invites, and group messaging without booting a separate app. It’s the kind of baseline feature PlayStation and Xbox users take for granted, but it would be a first for Nintendo hardware.
System integration is the key difference here. Rather than leaving matchmaking and calls to individual games—or pushing players to a phone—Nintendo is bundling communication into the OS. If supported broadly, that should reduce the friction that kept voice chat usage low on Switch, especially in competitive or co-op titles where coordination actually matters.
How The Incentives Would Work
The documentation cited by GameSpot points to rewards connected to "missions" that highlight GameChat features. Complete a task—such as starting a voice call, creating a party, or sending your first message—and you’d receive a small perk. While the report stops short of confirming exact payouts, this lines up with Nintendo’s existing Missions & Rewards framework on Switch, which already grants Platinum Points for simple actions.