If you already own a USB-C webcam, you’ll be glad to know that the new Switch 2 supports third-party devices, which is especially useful if you’d rather not spend on Nintendo’s first-party Piranha Plant camera. Alternatively, a clever workaround demonstrated by the YouTube channel Will It Work? shows that you can also use your iPhone (or potentially even an Android device) as a makeshift webcam for the console.
However, the method isn’t as simple as plugging your phone directly into the Switch via USB-C. Instead, it involves a chain of adapters and cables to convert your phone’s video output into a format the Switch 2 can recognise. The key is to route your phone’s video feed through HDMI and into the Switch via a USB capture card.
Here’s how the setup works: first, connect a USB-C to HDMI cable to your iPhone. From there, plug the HDMI end into a USB capture dongle. Then, connect that capture dongle to the Switch 2 via USB-C. Finally, run a full-screen camera app on the phone to hide all of the on-screen interface on your phone in order to have a clean, uninterrupted video feed.
Once everything is in place, the Switch 2 treats the phone’s feed just like a regular webcam input, but there is a caveat. As Will It Work? points out, the video signal may experience slight latency. This can lead to a minor mismatch between audio and video, particularly if you’re using it for something like livestreaming or video calls. Still, for many users, the convenience and cost savings may outweigh the small trade-off.
As mentioned earlier, Android users may be able to replicate the process with similar equipment, though results could vary depending on device compatibility and video output support. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to extend your Switch 2’s capabilities without spending big, this workaround could be a surprisingly effective solution.
(Source: Will It Work?, via Engadget)
