Nintendo’s Fresh Chat Camera Faces Whimsical Competition—from a Piranha Plant

As excitement grows for the Nintendo Switch 2, one of the most surprising developments has been the focus on a new feature: built-in video chat. Accompanying this capability is a sleek, official camera accessory from Nintendo. However, in typical Nintendo style, even a straightforward webcam is receiving a playful twist—thanks to a third-party accessory that’s turning heads and bringing smiles.

Introducing the Piranha Plant camera, a quirky and entertaining alternative to Nintendo’s typical chat camera. Created by the well-known third-party accessory developer Hori, this charming device has been spotted on the German retail website Mediamarkt.de, generating excitement among fans and tech aficionados alike.

A Whimsical Approach to Practical Technology

While Nintendo’s official camera for the Switch 2 is a minimalist black gadget priced at $49.99, Hori’s Piranha Plant variant provides a more playful and somewhat more cost-effective option at €39.99 (around $43 USD). Inspired by the iconic Mario series foe, the Piranha Plant camera is both functional and enjoyable, making it a remarkable addition to any Nintendo enthusiast’s gaming environment.

But this isn’t merely a novelty. The Piranha Plant camera is fully compatible with the Switch 2’s chat features, delivering the same fundamental functionality as Nintendo’s version. It’s stylishly designed to rest on your TV stand like a decorative ornament—but with a twist: it serves as a fully operational webcam.

Smart Features with Personality

In addition to its striking design, the Piranha Plant camera boasts several clever features that elevate it from simple decor to a genuinely intelligent piece of technology. Foremost among them is its built-in privacy shutter. Rather than a mechanical slider or software toggle, users can merely close the plant’s mouth to obscure the camera lens. It’s a straightforward, elegant fix that harmonizes perfectly with the character’s design.

Even more impressively, the plant’s pot serves as a USB extension hub. The camera itself can be removed from the pot, exposing an extra USB connector, making it easier to utilize the device while on the move. Whether you’re video chatting from your living room or transporting your Switch 2 setup, the Piranha Plant camera is crafted to be as portable as it is playful.

A Foreshadowing of What’s Ahead

Although Hori has not yet made an official statement about the Piranha Plant camera, its listing on Mediamarkt.de implies that it will debut around the same time as the Switch 2, which is expected to launch on June 5, 2025. The early appearance of this accessory also hints at a larger trend: third-party manufacturers are already preparing to bolster the Switch 2 ecosystem in innovative and user-friendly manners.

Nintendo has consistently embraced a culture of fun and creativity, and it seems that the Switch 2 will uphold that legacy—not just through its games and hardware, but also through the accessories that enhance it. The Piranha Plant camera exemplifies how even the most practical tech can be reimagined with charm, humor, and a touch of Mario magic.

Whether you’re a devoted Nintendo fan or simply someone who appreciates a clever gadget, the Piranha Plant camera is poised to become one of the most delightful surprises of the Switch 2 era. Keep an eye out—this little charmer might just make its way into your heart.