What Does The C Button On Nintendo Switch 2 Do?

When comparing the differences between the new Nintendo Switch 2 and its predecessor, besides a noticeable bigger size, it's not hard to spot an extra button there, called a C button.

Nintendo has told us on its official site that it's the entrance to the GameChat function, a new voice chat function where you can talk with friends and share screens while playing, so you don't need to rely on other apps such as Discord.

But what it didn't show users directly is how it'll monetize. Now, thanks to an interview between Polygon and Vice President of Player and Product Experience Bill Trinen, we've learned that once the initial free trial period ends on March 31, 2026, you'll have to pay to continue using it.

If you have a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership, the C button is useful; otherwise, it serves no purpose. To be accurate, each time you press on it, "you would be able to find out about the NSO subscription there and get a sense of some of the functionality." 

The subscription costs $19.99 per year and Nintendo has a reason for charging for it. According to Trinen, the GameChat is "part of the overall platform experience," and "NSO really is a critical piece of the Nintendo Switch 2 experience."

Earlier, Bill Trinen also confirmed that the new console would not feature a platform-wide achievement system. 

Are you willing to pay an extra $20 to use this new integrated function on a device that costs $450? Let us know. Also, don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.