Panda SecurityAs we enter the festive season, Nintendo has stepped up its production, making it possible for consumers actually to find stock of the latest Nintendo Switch 2 console. There are still plenty of sold-out locations, but stock levels are certainly improving, and more and more people are upgrading to the new system. As thousands of customers stock up on the latest offerings from Nintendo, the new system comes with a few changes to its privacy policy. The new Nintendo Switch 2 features a new function called GameChat, which enables Nintendo to collect, monitor, and record audio and video from chat sessions. Now, Nintendo collects voice and video recordings, in addition to data points such as the player’s name, address, age, location, and contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers.
Key takeaways
- The new GameChat feature is only available on Nintendo Switch 2 and allows consenting users to communicate via voice and video. Nintendo has announced that those interactions might be monitored and recorded.
- Nintendo’s general policy changed right before launch to also notify customers that interactions with Nintendo’s customer service are also monitored and recorded, and player info could be visible to other users.
- The Nintendo Switch 2’s privacy policy is similar to those of other popular console solutions, such as the Xbox Series X and PS5. It allows consumers to limit what they share with the tech company.
- Staying safe while console gaming requires common sense, system updates, and a fortified WiFi network
What data does Nintendo collect, and what are the privacy policy changes between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo collects a wide range of personal, commercial, and player performance data. The data points consist of player age, location, contact information, and profile name. The Japanese tech company also tracks players’ buying behavior, gaming habits, and system performance. The new Switch 2 comes with a few differences when compared to the original Switch. While we will not go through all changes, we highlight the new GameChat tool, which is only available on the new console. It allows Nintendo Switch 2 users playing in online mode to communicate in voice and video sessions that Nintendo says could be observed and recorded.
How does it compare to other consoles?
When it comes to privacy, Nintendo’s latest console is similar to those of other console manufacturers, such as Microsoft and Sony. Unfortunately, there is no option to completely opt out of sharing personal information, as users are always required to agree to the manufacturer’s general user agreement terms. The tech conglomerates are not the only ones collecting data. Third-party companies also get access to various data points. Those vendors could come from a wide range of backgrounds, including government agencies, advertisers, and video game companies. They may or may not be based in the USA. For example, Electronic Arts, maker of popular games like EA Sports FC 26, has offices worldwide. They span countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.
What can you do to protect privacy even more?
It is always worth going through the privacy settings and adjusting the default settings. Privacy-friendly players can limit some of the information they share with console manufacturers. Apart from minimizing data collection, users can ensure that their home WiFi network is configured correctly and safeguarded. Even though anti-virus software solutions cannot be installed directly on consoles, anti-malware solutions can protect your home WiFi. They offer features like firewall and VPN. Such solutions often offer network monitoring. For example, they can alert you if your kids suddenly get their Nintendo Switch 2 online while gaming.
How to stay safe while console gaming?
Staying safe while console gaming comes with setting proper filters and restrictions. If you are an online player, muting the other opponent or your microphone can be particularly helpful if you (or your kids) wish to avoid hearing things they are not supposed to hear. Taking advantage of the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app is also a must.
Another helpful tip is to ensure that the gaming system is updated. Even though console companies try to protect users, they all have a history of being hacked. A good way to reduce your risk of data breaches is to stop ignoring system updates. Perform them whenever necessary. Another option is to start playing games offline. Not all games require an online connection. Playing offline is advisable to limit your online presence and avoid oversharing.
Similar to other consoles on the market, Nintendo Switch 2 comes with default settings that could be considered rather data-hungry. Nintendo is not hiding its data-thirsty nature. It has confirmed that the new Switch 2 collects audio and video chats. While there are options to limit certain aspects, console companies such as Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo like to collect data. If you do not wish to share much with them, tweak the privacy settings. Make sure your home WiFi network is properly protected.
