DIGITAL LIFE

Nintendo lets you use your iPhone as a camera on the Switch 2

One of the features of the new Nintendo Switch 2 is the absence of an integrated camera. However, what might seem like a limitation ends up being a minor detail, thanks to Nintendo's new and surprising openness to the use of hardware from other brands. If in previous generations the company was known for maintaining a very closed ecosystem, the new console seems to follow a different philosophy.

This change in stance had already been noticed when it was discovered that the Switch 2 was compatible with third-party mouses, something that many did not expect. Now, this freedom also extends to webcams. Proof of this is an ingenious solution that lets you use something you probably already have in your pocket, your iPhone, as a camera for the console. This discovery shows that you don't need to invest in specific accessories to enjoy all the features.

The demonstration that it is possible to use an iPhone as a camera on the Switch 2 was made by YouTuber “Will It Work?”. As the name of his channel suggests, he is dedicated to testing the compatibility between different devices, and the results of his experience are quite encouraging for future owners of the console. The process is relatively simple and does not require a large investment.

To be able to replicate this solution, you will need a few components that are, for the most part, easy to find and affordable. The list of materials includes, in addition to your iPhone, a USB-C to HDMI cable and a cable or video capture card with a USB connection. With these three elements, you have everything you need to get started.

The first step is to connect the USB-C end of the first cable to your iPhone. Then, the HDMI end of this same cable must be connected to the video capture card. Finally, you just need to connect the USB end of the capture card directly to one of the ports on the Nintendo Switch 2.

In terms of software, you only need an application on the iPhone that displays the image from the camera in full screen, without displaying any icons or interface elements. This is crucial because the console will interpret everything that appears on the phone’s screen as the video signal from the webcam.

This discovery is not just a technical curiosity; it also opens an interesting door for the reuse of technology. If you have an old smartphone sitting in a drawer, this could very well be its new purpose.

Instead of being forgotten, an old but functional phone can be transformed into a high-quality webcam for your console, saving you from having to spend money on a new accessory. It’s a great way to give a second life to equipment that would otherwise have no use.

mundophone