Nintendo Switch 2 lets you repurpose your smartphone as a camera, as discovered by fans – all you need are two affordable cables to set it up.
While we knew Switch 2 supported third-party USB cameras (likely already gathering dust in your home if they have USB-C ports), what about leveraging your phone's built-in camera?
As demonstrated by YouTube channel Will It Work?, Nintendo's next-gen console seamlessly works with modern smartphones when connected via an HDMI-to-USB-C capture cable.
Simply connect your smartphone using a USB-C-to-HDMI cable paired with an HDMI capture cable, transforming your phone into a Switch 2-recognized USB camera.
The Will It Work? team showcases this setup using TrueVistage – a free app that displays the phone's camera feed unobstructed by buttons or interface elements.
The Switch 2 effortlessly displays your phone's video feed (accessible through its built-in camera testing feature found in system menus).
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Though Nintendo offers its official $54.99 Switch 2 Camera, this bulky peripheral serves limited purposes. This smartphone solution proves both practical and economical – especially for impromptu GameChat sessions when traveling, where carrying your phone beats packing dedicated camera gear.
The required cables total approximately $30.98 based on Amazon links from Will It Work?'s video (with potential discounts available). That's $24 cheaper than Nintendo's basic camera, or $29 less than the Piranha Plant edition. Plus, you avoid accumulating another specialized gadget that might collect dust after initial novelty wears off.
