Why Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat Shows Poor Video Quality: A Deep Dive into Low Latency Trade-Offs

The recent Nintendo Switch 2 trailer has sparked discussions among gamers, especially regarding the new Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat feature. One key observation is the noticeably poor video quality during game chat sessions. While this might seem like a setback, there’s a technical reason behind it: the trade-off between ultra-low latency and high framerate video quality.

The Role of Low Latency in Game Chat

Low Latency Prioritization with UDP

For real-time interactions, such as those in game chats, reducing delay is critical. Nintendo appears to have opted for a low latency streaming method that leverages the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Unlike traditional methods that use TCP for error correction and buffering, UDP sends data with minimal delay—ensuring that on-screen actions are relayed almost instantly.

The Impact on Video Quality

The flip side of using UDP is that it typically forgoes buffering and retransmission of lost data. This means:

Lower Framerate: Without extensive buffering, if packets are lost during transmission, the system doesn’t wait to recover them, resulting in fewer frames being displayed per second.
Compromised Visuals: The minimal error correction in UDP leads to a choppier, lower-quality video stream. This is why many viewers of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer noted the poor video quality during Game Chat sessions.

Standard Streaming vs. Low Latency Streaming

What Standard Streaming Offers

Standard streaming protocols—often built on TCP—prioritize a high framerate and smooth visuals:

Buffering & Error Correction: These mechanisms ensure that every packet of data is received, which keeps video quality high, albeit with a slight increase in latency.
Higher Quality at the Cost of Delay: Services using standard streaming might introduce noticeable delays, but they deliver a smoother and more visually appealing experience.

How Google Meet and Microsoft Teams Compare

Both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams have evolved their streaming techniques to strike a balance between low latency and video quality:

Adaptive Streaming Techniques: They adjust video quality dynamically based on network conditions, sometimes lowering the framerate to prevent lag while generally providing a smoother experience compared to a pure UDP approach.
Latency vs. Quality Trade-Off: While these platforms sometimes sacrifice ultra-low latency for higher quality visuals, the slight delay is often acceptable during video conferencing and collaboration.

Why Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat Shows Poor Video Quality: A Deep Dive into Low Latency Trade-Offs

The Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat Dilemma

Emphasis on Interactivity

For the Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat, the primary goal appears to be responsiveness. In a fast-paced gaming environment, even a delay of a few milliseconds can disrupt communication. By prioritizing low latency with UDP, Nintendo ensures that game chat feels immediate—even if it means the video quality isn’t as polished.

Audience Reaction to the Trailer

Many viewers of the Nintendo Switch 2 trailer have commented on the poor video quality during Game Chat. While this is a trade-off for near-instantaneous feedback, it has raised questions among fans who value both interactivity and high-definition visuals. This trade-off is not unique; it's a common challenge in real-time communication systems.

Conclusion: Balancing Responsiveness and Quality

The design choice behind the Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat—prioritizing low latency via UDP—results in a lower framerate and the poor video quality seen in the trailer. For real-time game communication, responsiveness is often more important than having a high-definition video stream. This is a familiar trade-off even when compared with platforms like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, which use more adaptive approaches to manage latency and quality.
Understanding these technical decisions can help gamers and industry watchers appreciate why Nintendo made these choices, and what it means for the future of interactive gaming on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier