I tested Hori’s cheap Nintendo Switch 2 camera — this one flaw makes it hard to recommend

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

Looking to grab a camera for your Nintendo Switch 2? Well, the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a cheaper option that provides video functionality for both GameChat and certain in-game features.

This model comes from video game accessory player Hori, but is actually licensed by Nintendo itself. It’s a pretty interesting model, offering a flexible design that works for both docked and handheld modes. You can insert it directly into your Nintendo Switch 2 via its USB-C connector, or you can instead plug it into a base, which can be connected to your Switch 2 console with an included cable.

In fact, there’s even a clip on the underside of the base that can be used as a mount. I found this to be stable and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that it won’t fit on chunkier displays – my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the camera’s design is something that I look for when testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, and it is highly practical.

Just generally, this camera is well designed. It’s phenomenally compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into a top-class case, like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case, for example. The camera can also be angled to your liking, there’s an effective privacy shutter on board, and it’s got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 – that model’s main selling point – but if you’re looking for something understated, then it isn’t half bad.

But with regret, this is where my praise starts to run dry for Hori’s Nintendo Switch 2 accessory. Why? Well, if you’re looking for strong performance, then Hori’s USB Camera is not for you. It has the same specs as the Piranha Plant camera, meaning it offers a 480p resolution. Yes, that’s the same quality we saw on the Nintendo DSi, which was released in… 2008. Ouch.

That low resolution means that you’re getting pretty dismal picture quality overall. The camera made my face look blurry, with finer details like lines on my face and individual hairs looking blocky and poorly defined. If you’re using the camera in TV mode and sitting at a distance, the restrictions of 480p are even more prominent. A logo on my clothing melded into a blob, and everything in my room lacked clarity.

Even colors look washed out, lacking saturation and that true-to-life tone you’d hope for. When I switched over to the 1080p official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, these issues were thrown into even sharper relief. With that model, I was instantly struck by more eye-popping colors, with the striking red of a Switch 2 game box and the delicate pink of flowers in my living room a joy to behold. Sure, my face still wasn’t incredibly clear at a distance, but it appeared far less blurry than it did with the Hori USB Camera.

One more small thing. The field of view on the Hori USB Camera isn’t fantastic. At 85 degrees, it can cram a decent amount into the picture, but again, the 110 degrees you get from the official Switch 2 camera is optimized far better for those who want to get four or more players in view, say.

I want to make one thing clear, though. Despite its low resolution and fairly limited field of view, the Hori USB Camera is, at least, functional. I didn’t experience any bugs or compatibility issues, 30fps performance was pretty consistent, and it tracked my face pretty well when playing Mario Kart World.

Another thing worth considering is that Hori’s USB Camera is usually a fair bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Although this model has a list price of $59.99 / £29.99 / AU$64.95, I’m already seeing it go for less, with some online retailers selling it for under $35 / £20 / AU$45. Meanwhile, the official camera launched at $54.99 / £49.99 / AU$69.95, and is usually full price in the US – though I’ve spotted it going for less than £30 in the UK and AU$60 in Australia.

Is this model worth buying, then? Well, for the majority of people, I’m tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality and color replication, but it’s also worth flagging that there aren’t tons of games that support camera functionality. A few titles – like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Mario Kart World – have segments that use video, but the list of supported software is slim at the moment.

If you simply need a camera that functions and is easy to use, then this model works. It’s a little cheaper than the official model, and is pleasingly flexible too. But the Piranha Plant alternative is similarly priced and has a fun factor that the USB Camera lacks, meaning it ends up being a fairly hard sell.

Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Should I buy the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?

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Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

How I tested the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

• Tested across the course of one week
• Used at home in handheld and TV mode
• Compared directly against rival models

I used the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 within a one-week testing period, assessing every aspect of its performance and design. For the most part, I had it set up with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked and connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV.

For the testing itself, I made use of the Switch 2’s USB Camera testing function in the settings menu, but also used it while playing Mario Kart World online. I also compared it against the official Switch 2 camera to judge picture quality, color accuracy, and motion.

I’ve tested a whole lot of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories here at TechRadar – everything from rival camera models through to the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector and PowerA Wired Earbuds for Nintendo Switch 2. I’ve also owned a Nintendo Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a range of games for the console, like Kirby Air Riders and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: December 2025