Nintendo finally revealed what that mystery 'C' button does on the Switch 2, and while it certainly sounds impressive, it'll be reserved for paying customers — although there is good newsTech11:03, 08 Apr 2025Updated 11:03, 08 Apr 2025Mario Kart is back for the first time in yearsLast week, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2, and in the days since we've seen more information trickle out from Nintendo and its publishing partners. The new console won't have Hall Effect sticks, but will have a stacked launch lineup of new and older titles, including third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and more.One of the biggest questions we'd had before the event was what that new 'C' button on the right Joy-Con controller does, and Nintendo has confirmed it'll be tied to cross-game party chat via the company's 'GameChat' service.‌Article continues belowAnd, while it certainly seems impressive, there is an asterisk next to the feature.Nintendo has commented on the new Joy Con sticksLeaks last month had predicted Nintendo would finally push online chat further than the Switch 1's awkward companion app, and while it's been a long time coming, it's certainly a welcome update.‌GameChat will let players chat together regardless of which game they're playing, and can watch other players via picture-in-picture — albeit with a pretty choppy frame rate if the unveiling event is anything to go by.It's all tied into the new 'C' button, but it relies on having a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use. Without that, it doesn't do a great deal.Nintendo's Vice President of Player and Product Experience Bill Trinen told Polygon that without a membership to the company's online service, players will just be prompted to sign up.‌Switch 2 is just a couple of months away(Image: AFP via Getty Images)“You would be able to find out about the NSO subscription there and get a sense of some of the functionality,” he said.“NSO really is a critical piece of the Nintendo Switch 2 experience," Trinen adds, and it makes sense in some ways when rivals charge similar fees for online multiplayer.‌Still, with some complaints the Switch 2 is too expensive (and with Trump's tariffs potentially making things even worse), having a button feel like a paid-only feature will rankle some.Thankfully, you have some time to decide if the GameChat functionality is for you. Nintendo is letting all players use it until March 31, 2026 free of charge.NSO will also include additional classic games, including GameCube titles., when Switch 2 arrives. Expect a full review from Daily Star when the console arrives in June to help you make up your mind about whether GameChat is worth the price of admission.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌