Nintendo Privacy Policy Update Says Switch 2 'May' Monitor and Record Audio and Video Chat Sessions — With Your Consent

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in less than one month, so you should know that it may use some of its new features to record your audio and video chat sessions.

Nintendo clarified its intentions on the privacy policy section of its website (as spotted by NintendoSoup). It’s a recent change that might impact how players utilize devices such as the Switch 2 in their homes and on the go, as Nintendo says it “may” use your information to “provide a safe and secure environment for certain of our services.”

“Our services may allow you to create, upload or share content such as text, images, audio, video, your nickname and user icon, or other content that you create or is licensed to you,” the Your Content section of its privacy policy says.

“With your consent, and to enforce our terms, we may also monitor and record your video and audio interactions with other users. When you use any of our services that include these or other similar capabilities we may collect your content in accordance with our terms of use and this policy.”

It's worth noting Nintendo's line about needing the user's consent to monitor and record video and audio, which suggests there will be an opt-in button when setting up the Switch 2.

Still, it's an important update fans should be aware of as we inch toward the launch of the Switch 2, which is slated to arrive June 5. A new Nintendo console means new features, and this time around, one focus for the architects behind the hardware involved giving players more multiplayer communication options. Leading the charge on this initiative is a new C button, which allows users to instantly start chatting with friends across Nintendo’s online network.

Pressing the button allows players to speak with friends via a microphone built into the Switch 2 itself. Screen sharing is also available to those who wish to replicate the feeling of couch co-op with buddies outside of your play area, as is video streaming for those who purchase the new camera accessory. Video options, specifically, seem to be relatively low quality but still do the job of broadcasting your face – and potentially your environment – to your friends.

Outside of improved graphics and mouse-like control options, voice and video chat might be the Switch 2’s defining feature, so it’ll be important to keep Nintendo’s recent privacy policy changes in mind. For more on the upcoming tech launch, you can read up on why a popular Piranha Plant accessory is slightly cheaper than the standard camera. You can also check in on how the system’s pre-order launch was handled, as well as our interview with Nintendo’s Bill Trinen.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).