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Title: You can use an iPhone as a Nintendo Switch 2 camera

Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:26:27 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/you-...

Maybe youΓÇÖve just picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 and want to try GameChat
features with your friends in Mario Kart World, but canΓÇÖt quite swing $55
for the official camera right now after plopping down $500 for the console
and game bundle. The solution might be in your pocket.

The Switch 2 supports third-party USB-C webcams. However, you might be able
to use your phone instead. YouTube channel Will It Work? has demonstrated how
to use an iPhone as a camera for the console.

Unfortunately, itΓÇÖs not quite as simple as opening the iPhoneΓÇÖs Camera
app, plugging a USB-C cable into both devices and setting up the phone
(perhaps on a MagSafe charger) so it points at your mug. I tried that, and
nope, no dice. Instead, if you plug the cable into a USB-C to HDMI adapter,
and that into an HDMI capture cable and hook the daisy chain into your Switch
2, your new console should recognize your phone as a camera. This process may
work for Android devices too.

Since doing this will pipe whateverΓÇÖs on your phoneΓÇÖs screen into your
Switch 2, you might want to use an app that hides all of the on-screen camera
controls and only shows what the selfie lens or rear-facing array picks up.
There are a few free options in the App Store that can do the trick. You can
check that this all works by opening up the Settings on your Switch 2 and
going to Controllers & Accessories > Test USB Camera.

Links in the YouTube video that demonstrates this workaround point to Amazon
listings where you can pick up the two cables for $31, but you may be able to
find cheaper versions. Of course, thatΓÇÖs moot if you already have both
cables. A regular capture card and HDMI to USB-C cable might work too.
Naturally, if you have a USB-C webcam handy, thatΓÇÖs an easier way to go
about all this.

There is one downside to note before you use your iPhone as a Switch 2
camera, as Will It Work? points out. There may be some lag, which could
affect lip sync. But if you can live with that, this might be an option for
you.

ThereΓÇÖs another accessory you might already have on hand that could save
you from buying an official Nintendo or third-party one. The Switch 2 fits
into the Steam Deck's case. You might want to add some padding, as the Switch
2 is a smaller device than the Steam Deck and might shift around in the case
otherwise, but itΓÇÖs still perhaps worth considering.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/you-...
switch-2-camera-142622005.html?src=rss

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