Nintendo was originally tinkering with a lot of different ideas for the GameChat Button which it incorporated on the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. In a recent article the Kyoto-based company showcased various icon designs it was torn between choosing before it had decided on the final design. Here’s the thought process that went with finalising the design:
“To make the best choices, we created many prototypes and refined them while actually seeing and touching them. As for the button icon, we not only wanted the design to be easy to understand, but to connect with words regarding speech, such as chat, communication, conversation. Furthermore, we considered multiple
other viewpoints; we wanted players to be able to refer to it easily, for it to be easily understood as part of the console features, and to harmonize with the already existing A and B buttons. Ultimately we decided on writing a simple ‘C’ and placing this C button just below the Home button.”
“I believe that UI/UX design is a job that is not just about the visual, but also about connecting the software and hardware, while considering the overall experience. Even the small C button that fits under the thumb went through many discussions and prototypes, with each leading to a comfortable experience. In this project being able to bring about a new experience while working with the support of the team was greatly rewarding. I want to keep facing these challenges in the future.”
Thanks to Greatsong1 for sending in the news tip!
Bleh. I hate GameChat for hamstringing Switch 2. That core and 1-2GB of RAM being used for games instead would be massive.
I kinda like gamechat with how easy intergraded it is to the console. Just one click and you can call anyone and use gameshare. I like that part of gameshare, but I felt like it was pointless trying to hype up the system with it. Also I think since this is just a application with it’s menu, I don’t think it requires that much power of the system. Still a nice inclusion, but I honestly never used gamechat after the first month.
I agree; I think GameChat really has it’s place (I use my PC to voice chat, but it’s really nice to be able for me and friends of mine to show each-other what we’re doing in-game, via GameChat).
GameShare, on the other hand, I find to be just hands-down AMAZING, and I would even call it “underrated” if more games used it.
I assume that will be fixed with time though; as of now Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment uses it, for what is essentially “online couch–co-op” multiplayer, and it is phenomenal.