[VGC] Nintendo explains why Switch 2 Game Chat screen sharing has a low frame rate

Topher

Identifies as young
Players using Switch 2's Game Chat feature have the ability to turn on a screen sharing feature, which shares what's on their screen with other players.

This allows everyone to see what other players are up to during a multiplayer game, or to give players advice if they're stuck at a certain point.

Players can also share their screen even if they're playing a different game, meaning one player could be playing Mario Kart World while their friend is sharing their Donkey Kong Bananza gameplay underneath.

However, players have noted that the Game Chat footage shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct appeared to show other players' footage running at what appears to be 10 frames per second, as opposed to the 30fps, 60fps or even 120fps supported by Switch 2 games.

In an interview with GameSpot, Nintendo Switch 2 hardware director Takuhiro Dohta explained that the reason Game Chat screen sharing runs at a low resolution is to ensure it doesn't take up too much of the console's resources, which could affect gameplay.

"Obviously, chat is meant to run and work simultaneously and coincide with the game you're playing," Dohta explained. "But we also think it's critical that it doesn't get in the way of the game that's running right now. And so we wanted to definitely make sure what we do was to make sure that running Game Chat alongside the game doesn't result in the game experience or quality being reduced at all in any way.

Technical director Tetsuya Sasaki added that the reduced frame was to ensure everyone has the same experience, as well as ensuring enough power is left over for the games themselves.

"As Nintendo, one thing we really put emphasis on is making sure that everyone experiences a very even experience when it comes to the quality of service that they're experiencing," he explained. "And based on this emphasis that we prioritize – obviously if somebody is in a better environment, they're going to get better results in terms of their experience – but we really wanted to make sure that more than anything people had an equal or even playing field, or even experience, rather. And I think that was our priority as an entertainment company.

"And the other aspect of this is that we want to make sure that there is enough power reserved for the games themselves. And so we have a smaller area to play around in within to make sure that all these varying aspects to fit into, things like network environment connectivity. And so we landed on within this margin that we have to work within, this is a good even experience that we can provide."

Nintendo confirmed its Game Chat feature last week during its Switch 2 Nintendo Direct presentation, where it revealed that the Switch 2 console has a microphone built into it, and that players can use a USB-C camera to capture their reactions when playing games with friends.

GameChat will be free to use until March 31, 2026, after which it will require a Switch Online subscription.



10fps?

Matthew Broderick GIF
 
Did this really need an explanation? Streaming video takes bandwidth. Streaming four at the same time at high frame rates can have an impact.

It's not like you're actually trying to do split screen.
 
It's such a strange feature. Anyone here actually want to watch others play games while YOU play or even use video chat at all (outside of Zoom for work reasons).
 
I have no idea why they invested so much time and effort into this. I can see what they were wanting to accomplish, but I really don't get the stop motion quality feeds. I mean, from today's standards it looked really, really rough. I get it's just not for us, it just felt so odd to see. Definitely just feels like Nintendo looked at the Kinect and were like, "Hey, let's do stuff like that." and it feels a bit late, lol.
 
1. I pay for online with my PS5 Pro and my XSX, much more than it costs for NSO
2. There is also a share button my every controller I have
3. They are saying the chat app has a low from rate so it doesn't interfere with the game you are playing

Complaining must be fun for people. There is nothing objectionable here.
 
Last edited:
I'm a bit shocked that Nintendo wants to subject kids to web cams in all their multiplayer games. I feel like we're one Uno game away from a lawsuit and the whole thing being nuked from orbit.
 
Last edited:
Did this really need an explanation? Streaming video takes bandwidth. Streaming four at the same time at high frame rates can have an impact.

It's not like you're actually trying to do split screen.
You've never used teams, nor skype nor anything like that? :goog_relieved:
 
Did this really need an explanation? Streaming video takes bandwidth. Streaming four at the same time at high frame rates can have an impact.
You noticed these windows are much smaller than your main screen? Also - good netcode is hard, I know.
 
You've never used teams, nor skype nor anything like that? :goog_relieved:
Yes, on a PC capable of smooth streaming. I've seen what happens on ones not so capable as well. Or ones on bad network connections. It runs at about 10 to 20 fps.

Nintendo doesn't have a history of good network connections.

You noticed these windows are much smaller than your main screen? Also - good netcode is hard, I know.

As said above, Nintendo isn't known for good netcode. Took them until Mario Party Super Stars for stable network.
 
Last edited:
Share Play is what it was called. Had to google it as I never used it.

Oh that! Yeah never used it myself but two of my friends beat a few games together that way. Pretty cool stuff, like couch-coop but not really.
 
Last edited:
It's fascinating to me that people has:
  • Said this feature is pointless since Discord exists (and discord existing makes it a good platform for children to be in because Discord content is very suitable to anyone always, as we all know)
  • Said that it isn't worth the price (despite being thrown into a subscription with more stuff on it so this service in particular doesn't have a set price)
  • Said that they don't want it taking processing power from the games (but I though you were going to use discord, so why is this an issue?)
  • ...but also want the screen sharing to be 120fps (despite that being a pointless use of processing power)
 
It's fascinating to me that people has:
  • Said this feature is pointless since Discord exists (and discord existing makes it a good platform for children to be in because Discord content is very suitable to anyone always, as we all know)
  • Said that it isn't worth the price (despite being thrown into a subscription with more stuff on it so this service in particular doesn't have a set price)
  • Said that they don't want it taking processing power from the games (but I though you were going to use discord, so why is this an issue?)
  • ...but also want the screen sharing to be 120fps (despite that being a pointless use of processing power)

Yes, lots of people have said lots of different things.

Meaning GIF
 
I can guarantee I will end up getting more use out of the Wii U's TVii app than this garbage and that was free.
 
I mean... did they really have to state the obvious here?

Imagine if your console had to not only stream its own game footage to others at 60fps but also display 6 60fps live streams while playing a game.
 
$450 hardware, lol
But this talk..., man, I bet Nintendo uses like 5gb out of the 12gb they are shipping on this thing.
 
Translation = Switch 2 is too weak day one on a "Feature" they tried to show off. OOF!

If the feature is gonna make your system look bad simply remove the feature till you have a system that can run it without issues.
 
Last edited:
You gotta hand it to Nintendo. They knew a lot of people had been waiting for so long for a reason to shit on them, seething at the success of the Switch.
And they're fucking delivering.
 
I don't really mind the limitation. It's a pretty neat feature.

At least they weren't trying to hide it, you could very clearly see how choppy it was in the trailer.
 
Top Bottom