The Nintendo Switch 2 has brought with it a wave of new accessories, and among the most eye-catching is the Hori Piranha Plant camera. While its adorable design might tempt many fans, a closer look reveals that this officially licensed peripheral falls significantly short in performance, making it a questionable purchase for anyone seeking functional video capabilities on their new console.
Charming Design, Disappointing Performance
Inspired by the iconic Mario enemy, the Piranha Plant camera boasts a unique and charming aesthetic. The camera itself detaches from its green pipe “pot,” allowing it to be placed directly atop your Switch 2. It even features a clever design where the plant’s mouth can close, acting as a physical lens cover and visually indicating when the camera is off. This creative approach certainly makes it stand out from typical webcams, appealing strongly to collectors and fans of the Mario universe.
However, beneath its cute exterior lies a stark reality: the camera’s technical specifications are severely lacking. While Nintendo’s official Switch 2 camera for GameChat offers a crisp 1080p resolution, the Hori Piranha Plant camera is limited to a mere 480p (640×480). This significant difference in resolution translates directly to a much lower quality video feed, making it unsuitable for clear video communication or streaming.
Price vs. Practicality: Is It Worth It?
Priced around €39.99, the Piranha Plant camera is slightly cheaper than Nintendo’s official offering, which retails for approximately US$49.99. While the lower price point might seem appealing, it reflects the substantial compromise in video quality. For players looking to utilize the Switch 2’s GameChat feature – which allows for video and audio communication during gameplay – the Piranha Plant camera simply doesn’t deliver the necessary clarity or performance.
- Resolution: 480p (Hori Piranha Plant) vs. 1080p (Official Nintendo Camera)
- Functionality: More of a decorative item; poor for actual video calls.
- Design: Unique, officially licensed, detachable, and features a physical lens cover.
Ultimately, the Hori Piranha Plant camera for the Switch 2 is best viewed as a novelty item or a collectible for dedicated fans. If your primary goal is to engage in clear, high-quality video chats or other visual interactions on your Switch 2, investing in the official Nintendo camera is a far superior choice. Don’t let the adorable facade fool you; for practical use, this Piranha Plant is more of a decorative piece than a functional peripheral.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/dont-buy-that-cute-switch-2-piranha-plant-camera-its-rubbish