I tested Horis cheap Nintendo Switch 2 camera this one flaw makes it hard to recommend

Date:
Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Description:
Horis Piranha Plant camera didnt impress me, so I tested its minimalist alternative instead is it any good?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Hori
USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review

Looking to grab a camera for your Nintendo Switch 2? Well, the Hori USB
Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a cheaper option that provides video functionality for both GameChat and certain in-game features.

This model comes from video game accessory player Hori, but is actually licensed by Nintendo itself. Its a pretty interesting model, offering a flexible design that works for both docked and handheld modes. You can insert it directly into your Nintendo Switch 2 via its USB-C connector, or you can instead plug it into a base, which can be connected to your Switch 2 console with an included cable.

In fact, theres even a clip on the underside of the base that can be used as
a mount. I found this to be stable and easy to use, although its worth noting that it wont fit on chunkier displays my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the cameras design is something that I look for when testing the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories , and it is highly practical. (Image credit: Future)

Just generally, this camera is well designed. Its phenomenally compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into a top-class case, like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case , for example. The camera can also be
angled to your liking, theres an effective privacy shutter on board, and its got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesnt have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for
Nintendo Switch 2 that models main selling point but if youre looking for something understated, then it isnt half bad. (Image credit: Future)

But with regret, this is where my praise starts to run dry for Horis Nintendo Switch 2 accessory. Why? Well, if youre looking for strong performance, then Horis USB Camera is not for you. It has the same specs as the Piranha Plant camera, meaning it offers a 480p resolution. Yes, thats the same quality we saw on the Nintendo DSi, which was released in 2008. Ouch.

That low resolution means that youre getting pretty dismal picture quality overall. The camera made my face look blurry, with finer details like lines
on my face and individual hairs looking blocky and poorly defined. If youre using the camera in TV mode and sitting at a distance, the restrictions of 480p are even more prominent. A logo on my clothing melded into a blob, and everything in my room lacked clarity.

Even colors look washed out, lacking saturation and that true-to-life tone youd hope for. When I switched over to the 1080p official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera , these issues were thrown into even sharper relief. With that model,
I was instantly struck by more eye-popping colors, with the striking red of a Switch 2 game box and the delicate pink of flowers in my living room a joy to behold. Sure, my face still wasnt incredibly clear at a distance, but it appeared far less blurry than it did with the Hori USB Camera.

One more small thing. The field of view on the Hori USB Camera isnt
fantastic. At 85 degrees, it can cram a decent amount into the picture, but again, the 110 degrees you get from the official Switch 2 camera is optimized far better for those who want to get four or more players in view, say.
(Image credit: Future)

I want to make one thing clear, though. Despite its low resolution and fairly limited field of view, the Hori USB Camera is, at least, functional. I didnt experience any bugs or compatibility issues, 30fps performance was pretty consistent, and it tracked my face pretty well when playing Mario Kart World
.

Another thing worth considering is that Horis USB Camera is usually a fair
bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Although this model has a list price of $59.99 / 29.99 / AU$64.95, Im already seeing it go for less, with some online retailers selling it for under $35 / 20 / AU$45. Meanwhile, the official camera launched at $54.99 / 49.99 / AU$69.95, and is usually full price in the US though Ive spotted it going for less than 30 in the UK and AU$60 in Australia.

Is this model worth buying, then? Well, for the majority of people, Im
tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality
and color replication, but its also worth flagging that there arent tons of games that support camera functionality. A few titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV and Mario Kart World have segments that use video,
but the list of supported software is slim at the moment.

If you simply need a camera that functions and is easy to use, then this
model works. Its a little cheaper than the official model, and is pleasingly flexible too. But the Piranha Plant alternative is similarly priced and has a fun factor that the USB Camera lacks, meaning it ends up being a fairly hard sell. (Image credit: Future) Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs

Price

$59.99 / 29.99 / AU$64.95

Resolution

480p at 30fps

Field of view

85 degrees

Dimensions

1.2 x 1.2 x 2.3in / 30 x 30 x 58mm (camera); 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.6in / 39 x 37 x 40mm (base)

Weight

0.2lbs / 80g

Compatibility

Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, MacOS Should I buy the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2? (Image credit: Future)

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

Flexible build, dual TV / handheld mode, but clip wont fit all screens and a tad basic-looking.

4/5

Performance

Poor 480p resolution results in blurry picture quality, but framing works well.

2/5

Value

A bit cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera, but performs poorly.

2.5/5 Buy it if...

You want a cheaper way to access video functionality on Switch 2
If you dont want to pay the higher asking price of the official Switch 2 camera, then this option from Hori will likely suit you better. It regularly sells for less than $35 / 20 / AU$45, making it a fairly affordable option.

Youre looking for a compact option
Something I appreciate about this model is just how small it is, which makes it incredibly easy to tuck away inside a Switch 2 case, or even place in a small-sized bag when youre on the go. Don't buy it if...

Youre expecting good performance
With a 480p resolution, youre getting underwhelming performance from Horis
USB camera. Picture quality is pretty blurry, and colors dont pop in the way they do on pricier alternatives like the official Switch 2 camera.

You want a camera with character
Although the Piranha Plant camera shares the same low resolution and more restrictive field of view, its got a lot more character. Its colorful and character-filled design is a feast for the eyes, whereas this rival is on the plain side of things. Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Youll get far better picture quality from the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which boasts a 1080p resolution. Its solidly made and has a more luxurious feel than Horis USB model, though it's lacking in terms of flexibility, and costs a fair bit more.

Read our full Nintendo Switch 2 Camera review .

Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
This lil camera is packed full of charisma, and is based on the classic Super Mario baddie. It can be used while docked or plugged into your Switch 2 for handheld play, and has a mount too. However, it suffers from the same
problems as the Hori USB Camera, with a poor 480p resolution and a lower
field of view than the official cam.

Read our full Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review . View Deal How I tested the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 (Image credit: Future) Tested across the course of one week Used at home in handheld and TV mode Compared directly against rival models

I used the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 within a one-week testing period, assessing every aspect of its performance and design. For the most part, I had it set up with my Nintendo Switch 2 docked and connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 TV.

For the testing itself, I made use of the Switch 2s USB Camera testing function in the settings menu, but also used it while playing Mario Kart
World online. I also compared it against the official Switch 2 camera to
judge picture quality, color accuracy, and motion.

Ive tested a whole lot of Nintendo Switch 2 accessories here at TechRadar everything from rival camera models through to the Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector and PowerA Wired Earbuds for Nintendo Switch 2 . Ive also owned a Nintendo Switch 2 from launch, and have reviewed a range of
games for the console, like Kirby Air Riders and Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake . Read more about how we test First reviewed: December 2025



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/hori-usb-camera-for-nintendo-switch-2-review


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