The Switch 2 Camera Is the Definition of a Flop

The Nintendo Switch 2 had a very strong launch. It broke internal records and became the company’s fastest-selling system just days after launch.

The consoles moved fast off shelves, software topped the charts, and premium accessories like the $85 Pro Controller were in high demand.

But not everything released with the Switch 2 did as well. The official Switch 2 Camera was the only accessory that really flopped early on.

Did Anyone Actually Buy the Switch 2 Camera? 

Nintendo included the camera in its marketing, especially for GameChat, but it didn’t get much attention.

Circana’s sales data reveals that only a small single-digit percentage of Switch 2 owners bought the camera.

That means around 80,000 units were sold in the U.S., while 1.6 million consoles were sold during the same time.

The difference is clearer when looking at the Pro Controller, which sold more than 500,000 units and had a 32% attach rate.

In short, six or more people chose the Pro Controller for each camera buyer.

What Made the Camera an Easy Pass for Most Players?

A big reason behind this underwhelming performance is the camera’s lack of necessity.

Credit: Nintendo

It wasn’t bundled with the console, nor did it serve a vital function for most players. Outside of a few specific features in GameChat and a couple of minigame bundles such as Super Mario Party Jamboree, it didn’t bring anything necessary.

Unlike the Pro Controller, which gave players a practical and comfortable alternative to Joy-Cons, the camera simply didn’t fill a need most people had.

If players wanted video features, they could just use third-party webcams, which often have better specs and cost the same or less. Adding to its problems, the camera also lacked widespread developer support.

Very few games used their features at launch, and those that did mostly treated them as gimmicks rather than core gameplay elements.

Spending $55, users wanted more than a tool that only worked for video chat and party game extras.

The hype for GameChat didn’t match its cost, especially since the chat feature felt separate from the main Switch 2 experience.

Was It Worth the $55 Price?

Even on a technical level, the camera didn’t wow critics or early adopters.

Credit: Nintendo

The feedback noted good build quality, but overall, it was forgettable. They highlighted the physical design while noting it had little effect.

Its performance was passable at best, and without standout features or strong software support to elevate it, most people simply overlooked it altogether.

Compatibility issues with popular USB-C webcams didn’t help either. Not all camera models were compatible, even though Nintendo said they would be.

This flop stands out because it sharply contrasts with the Switch 2’s overall success. The console and premium controller were flying off the shelves despite higher prices and worldwide demand.

The camera arrived and disappeared without much notice. The camera wasn’t defective or overpriced, but it didn’t really justify its existence.

Without must-have features, without killer app support, and with more appealing alternatives available, it was an easy skip for the majority of players.

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