Nintendo Switch 2's C Button: A Strange New Feature?

Updated on January 14: The original version of this article linked to a different Discord server, also called "Nintendo Switch 2." The link has been changed to reflect the real source of the datamining effort. The original story is as follows.

Summary

• The Nintendo Switch 2's rumored C button may be used for chat functionality.
• Recent datamining efforts suggest the Switch 2 will support a group and voice chat feature code-named Campus.
• The next Nintendo console will reportedly be officially revealed on January 16.

The C button rumored to be featured on the Nintendo Switch 2 may be used for chat-related functionality, according to a newly surfaced report. This claim could shed light on one of the biggest remaining mysteries regarding the hardware of Nintendo's next console.

The Switch 2 has leaked on numerous occasions since late 2024, with industry watchers suggesting that the influx of leaks is due to the console entering mass production around that time. All these unofficial glimpses of the upcoming device have indicated that it will have one extra button compared to its predecessor. Marked with a dark gray "C," this mysterious key is depicted as positioned on the right Joy-Con, immediately below its home button. However, none of the sources who leaked the Switch 2 in recent weeks knew anything about the purported button's purpose.

One theory about the rumored C button has now emerged from datamining efforts centered on the latest version of the Switch OS. According to a report from a fast-growing Discord server dedicated to the Switch 2, Nintendo's newest firmware contains references to a feature code-named "Campus." This is supposedly related to group and voice chat support for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Reportedly Support Screen Sharing

The same source suggests that Campus will allow screen sharing, with chat groups accommodating up to 12 users. While its codename starts with a "C," if this rumored feature is connected to the new button on Nintendo's next console, then the letter on that key is more likely to stand for "chat" rather than "Campus." These findings challenge the popular fan theory that the C button might be used for casting the contents of the Nintendo Switch 2 screen to another device.

Chat Support Isn't Exactly in Line With the Switch's Kid-Friendly Design

Since group and voice chats require internet connectivity, if the Switch 2 were to feature them, it would likely offer them only to NSO subscribers. However, this remains uncertain, especially considering the Switch marked Nintendo's deliberate move away from such functionality. By not allowing users to chat with others, the Switch is inherently more kid-friendly, and reintroducing a feature like the Miiverse text chat could open up issues that Nintendo would prefer to avoid.

Whether the much-anticipated console truly has a C button—and what its purpose is—may become clear soon. According to multiple sources, the Switch 2 will be officially announced this Thursday, January 16.