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Gaming Hardware Reviews27 min read

Hori USB Camera for Switch 2: Full Review & Performance Analysis [2025]

Hori's USB camera for Nintendo Switch 2 offers compact design but disappointing 480p resolution. We tested it against the official model to see if the lower...

nintendo switch 2 camerahori usb camera reviewswitch 2 accessoriesgaming camera comparison480p vs 1080p camera+10 more
Hori USB Camera for Switch 2: Full Review & Performance Analysis [2025]
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Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: Full Review & Performance Analysis [2025]

Introduction: The Great Camera Trade-Off

Nintendo Switch 2 launched with an excellent official camera built in, but let's be real—sometimes you want options. Enter the Hori USB Camera, a third-party alternative that promises a more affordable way to unlock video features across compatible games. On paper, it sounds like a decent compromise. Flexible mounting, licensed by Nintendo, compact enough to slip into a carrying case. What's not to love?

Here's the catch: I've spent the last two weeks testing this camera against the official Switch 2 model, and there's one fundamental limitation that keeps nagging at me. We need to talk about it because it affects everything else about this accessory.

The Nintendo Switch 2 camera ecosystem is still young. Right now, your camera options boil down to the official model or third-party alternatives like this one from Hori. Most players don't care about camera functionality at all. But if you do—if you're planning to use it for Game Chat, streaming, or any of the growing library of games that leverage video input—you need to understand what you're actually getting.

I've tested dozens of gaming accessories over the years, and I always look for the same thing: does it do the job, and is the price fair? The Hori USB Camera does technically do the job. It's functional, stable, and genuinely easy to use. But fair? That's where things get complicated. Let me walk you through what I found.

Introduction: The Great Camera Trade-Off - contextual illustration
Introduction: The Great Camera Trade-Off - contextual illustration

Comparison of Switch 2 Camera Options
Comparison of Switch 2 Camera Options

Estimated data shows Hori offers a budget-friendly option at 480p, but future 720p cameras may challenge its value proposition by offering better quality at a competitive price.

TL; DR

  • Design is versatile: Flexible mounting works in handheld and docked modes, with an included base and clip system
  • 480p resolution is a dealbreaker: Same specs as a 2008 Nintendo DSi—blurry faces, washed-out colors, poor detail at distance
  • Price advantage is marginal: Usually sells for $20-30 less than the official camera, but the quality gap justifies the cost difference
  • Limited software support: Only a handful of games support camera functionality, so you're banking on future titles
  • Bottom line: Skip it unless you absolutely need the cheapest option and never plan to use it on a TV

Price Comparison: Hori USB Camera vs Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
Price Comparison: Hori USB Camera vs Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

In the USA, the Hori USB Camera typically sells for around

32.99,offeringa4032.99, offering a 40% savings compared to the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera's
54.99. However, the Hori's lower resolution may not justify the savings.

Design: Where Hori Nailed It

Let me start with the good stuff, because Hori actually understood what makes an accessory worth buying: practical design. This camera is phenomenally compact. We're talking roughly the size of a USB stick—maybe slightly thicker. Weight-wise, it's negligible. I dropped it in my Switch 2 carrying case without a second thought, and it took up maybe as much space as a game card.

The flexible design is genuinely impressive. You've got two ways to use this thing. First, you can plug it directly into the Switch 2's USB-C port when you're gaming in handheld mode. The connector is sturdy and doesn't feel cheap. Second, for docked mode, you use the included base station. The base itself is small and lightweight, with an adjustable clip mount on the underside. You can position it at different angles to catch exactly what you want in frame.

That clip mount deserves attention. It's surprisingly effective at staying put, and the range of motion is useful. Angle it down for a face-to-face view, or tilt it up to capture your whole play area. I tested it with my TV, and it worked perfectly—except when it didn't. The clip only fits TVs up to a certain thickness. My 55-inch display? Too chunky. It would've required a separate tripod stand, which defeats the whole point of a "included" solution.

The physical build quality is solid. Matte black finish, minimal branding, no unnecessary bells and whistles. There's an effective privacy shutter on the lens, which is increasingly important as more games tap into video input. You can slide it shut when you're not using the camera, and it feels natural to do so.

Compare this to the Hori Piranha Plant Camera, and you lose some visual personality. That model looks like a fun collectible. This one looks like a utilitarian tool. But if you prefer understated accessories that just blend into your setup, this aesthetic works. Form follows function, and the function here is solid.

QUICK TIP: Test the clip mount with your specific TV before assuming it'll work. Measure your bezel thickness—if it's over 1.5 inches, you might need a third-party stand.

Design: Where Hori Nailed It - contextual illustration
Design: Where Hori Nailed It - contextual illustration

The Specifications Problem: 480p in 2025

Now we get to the part that frustrated me. When I looked at the specs, I saw 480p resolution. My first thought: "Is this a joke?" Turns out, no. Hori and Nintendo decided that this camera should have the exact same resolution as the Nintendo DSi, released in 2008. That's not a typo.

For context, we're living in an era where 1080p is the baseline for any self-respecting camera, even cheap smartphone models from five years ago. Professional webcams? 2K to 4K. And yet here we are with 480p in a camera released in 2025.

I need to show you what this actually looks like in practice, because specs alone don't capture how limiting this is. When I positioned the camera for a face-to-face view (ideal lighting, close range), my face looked blurry. Not "slightly soft"—genuinely blurry. Fine details like individual hairs and facial lines turned into pixelated blobs. Skin tones looked flat and desaturated, like someone had drained the color out of the image.

Then I tested it from across the room, sitting on my couch during a docked gaming session. The camera captured my whole body, which sounds good until you realize that the distance makes the resolution problem catastrophic. A logo on my shirt melded into an unrecognizable smudge. Facial features became indistinct. The overall image quality degraded so much that you wouldn't want to appear on a video call using this setup.

Color accuracy took a beating too. A striking red box from a Switch game looked muddy. Flowers in my living room, which have a delicate pink hue, turned into a washed-out blob. Contrast was poor, saturation was underwhelming, and the overall image felt like it was from a security camera in a dimly lit parking garage.

DID YOU KNOW: The Nintendo DSi, released in 2008, pioneered camera functionality in handheld gaming. Its VGA (640x 480) camera was groundbreaking at the time—but we've had 17 years to improve technology since then.

The Specifications Problem: 480p in 2025 - contextual illustration
The Specifications Problem: 480p in 2025 - contextual illustration

Camera Options for Nintendo Switch 2
Camera Options for Nintendo Switch 2

The official Nintendo camera offers the best image quality and usability, justifying its higher cost. The Hori camera is a budget-friendly option but compromises on quality. Future options may provide a balanced choice. Estimated data.

The Official Camera Comparison: Why Quality Matters

To truly understand how limiting the Hori camera is, I compared it side-by-side with the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. This is where the gap becomes undeniable.

The official model shoots at 1080p—that's 2.25 times the pixel count of the Hori. In practical terms, this means sharper details, better color reproduction, and more usable footage at distance. When I switched over, the first thing I noticed was saturation. Colors popped. That red box from the Switch game looked vibrant and true-to-life. The pink flowers actually looked pink, not gray-brown.

Facial details improved dramatically. My face still wasn't incredibly sharp at a distance—there's a limit to what any small camera can do—but it was significantly clearer. Hair texture was visible. Skin tones looked natural. The overall image felt like it came from an actual camera, not a security device.

The field of view also differs. The Hori shoots at 85 degrees, which is respectable but limiting. The official camera offers 110 degrees, optimized for group recording. If you're trying to fit multiple players in frame—say, for a party game or streaming scenario—the extra width matters. The Hori would require everyone to sit closer together or position themselves more carefully.

Here's the math on this:

Field of View Advantage=110°85°1.29x more area captured\text{Field of View Advantage} = \frac{110°}{85°} ≈ 1.29x \text{ more area captured}

That 29% extra coverage translates to significantly better flexibility for group situations.

Now, the official camera isn't perfect either. At distance, even 1080p has limitations with a small fixed lens. The shutter speed feels slightly slow, and you can sometimes catch motion blur. But these are minor quibbles compared to the fundamental resolution gap.

Performance and Reliability: The One Thing Hori Got Right

Let me give credit where it's due. The Hori camera is functionally reliable. During my two-week testing period, I didn't encounter a single bug, driver issue, or compatibility problem. Plug it in, and it works.

Frame rate stayed consistent at 30fps across multiple testing scenarios. I tested it with Mario Kart World, which uses the camera for face-based multiplayer features. The camera tracked my movements accurately enough for the game to register different expressions and head positions. No stuttering, no frame drops, no weird lag.

Latency felt acceptable. There's a brief delay between your actual expression and what appears on screen, but it's unobtrusive—maybe 100-150ms, which is standard for USB cameras. During gameplay, you don't notice it.

The connection is stable. I tested it in various positions (close range, far range, at angles) and never experienced dropouts or reconnection issues. The cable is long enough to position the camera however you want without feeling constrained.

Compatibility is solid too. The camera worked with every game I tested that supports camera functionality. No weird driver conflicts, no strange behaviors. Hori licensed this through Nintendo, and it shows in the polish.

The privacy shutter actually functions smoothly. It's not just a gimmick—sliding it shut produces a satisfying click, and the lens is fully covered when closed. If privacy is a concern for you, this is a genuine plus.

QUICK TIP: Always use the privacy shutter when you're not actively using the camera. It's a small gesture that protects your privacy and extends the camera's lifespan by protecting the lens.

Comparison of Hori USB Camera and Official Switch 2 Camera
Comparison of Hori USB Camera and Official Switch 2 Camera

The Hori USB Camera offers lower resolution and field of view but is cheaper than the official Switch 2 camera. Estimated data for price range.

Software Support: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem

Here's a critical consideration that doesn't get enough attention: very few games support camera functionality. Right now, in early 2025, you're looking at a small list.

Super Mario Party Jamboree uses the camera for Jamboree TV mode, which lets you broadcast your face alongside gameplay. Mario Kart World integrates camera features for multiplayer recognition. A couple of other titles have optional video features. But if you're expecting a rich ecosystem of camera-dependent games, that's not what we have here.

This creates a chicken-and-egg problem. Publishers are hesitant to invest in camera features when the installed base is low. Players are hesitant to buy cameras when there's limited software support. Resolution-wise, Hori's camera makes this even worse. Publishers might be more willing to build camera features if the baseline quality was better.

What this means for your purchasing decision: you're not buying a camera because you need it today. You're buying it in hopes that future games will support it. That's a gamble. The official camera makes more sense for that gamble because the better quality ensures that if developers do invest in camera features, the experience will be worthwhile.

Nintendo has historically been good about supporting peripherals that make sense for the platform. The original Switch had a robust accessory ecosystem. But that ecosystem thrives when the base hardware is compelling. A 480p camera isn't compelling to developers.

Software Support: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem - visual representation
Software Support: The Chicken-and-Egg Problem - visual representation

Price Positioning: Is the Savings Real?

The Hori USB Camera has an official MSRP of

59.99USD(£29.99UK,AU59.99 USD (£29.99 UK, AU
64.95 Australia). But here's where the picture gets interesting: it rarely sells at full price. I'm already seeing it available for under
35USD,withsomeretailersofferingitcloserto35 USD, with some retailers offering it closer to
30. In the UK, several shops have it below £20.

The official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera launched at

54.99USD(£49.99UK,AU54.99 USD (£49.99 UK, AU
69.95 Australia). This usually holds its price in the US, though I've spotted UK pricing dip below £30 and Australian pricing around AU$60. That's closer alignment than you'd expect.

Let's do the actual math:

Price Difference=Official PriceHori Typical Discount Price\text{Price Difference} = \text{Official Price} - \text{Hori Typical Discount Price}
\text{Difference} = \$54.99 - \$32.99 = \$22.00 \text{ (approximately 40% savings)}

On paper, that looks significant. Forty percent off is meaningful to a budget-conscious buyer. But let's also calculate the quality differential:

Resolution Advantage=Official 1080pHori 480p=19206403x pixel density\text{Resolution Advantage} = \frac{\text{Official 1080p}}{\text{Hori 480p}} = \frac{1920}{640} ≈ 3x \text{ pixel density}

You're paying 40% less for a camera with 3x fewer pixels. The math doesn't favor the Hori from a value perspective. If the Hori were

1520,theequationwouldchange.At15-20, the equation would change. At
30-35, you're only saving about 40% while accepting a 67% reduction in resolution. That's not a great trade.

Where Hori wins is versatility. The flexible mounting system is genuinely useful. If you prefer the form factor and need something that works in both handheld and docked modes without extra accessories, the design argument is solid. But that's not a price advantage—that's a design advantage masquerading as savings.

DID YOU KNOW: Nintendo's official Switch 2 Camera wasn't actually bundled with the console—it's a separate purchase, just like previous Nintendo camera accessories. This opened the door for third-party alternatives like Hori's model.

Price Positioning: Is the Savings Real? - visual representation
Price Positioning: Is the Savings Real? - visual representation

Camera Feature Comparison: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Hori
Camera Feature Comparison: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Hori

The Nintendo Switch 2 camera outperforms the Hori in resolution, field of view, color saturation, and facial detail, offering a more vibrant and flexible recording experience. Estimated data for color saturation and facial detail.

Use Case Analysis: Who Should Actually Buy This?

Let me be brutally honest about the ideal customer for the Hori USB Camera, because there definitely is one.

You should buy it if you prioritize portability above all else. The compact form factor and flexible mounting system make it genuinely useful for people who game on the go and want camera functionality without adding bulk. If you're juggling a Switch 2, a carrying case, and maybe a portable charger, the Hori's small footprint matters.

You should buy it if you never plan to use it on a TV. If your camera usage is purely handheld—Game Chat with friends, streaming from your hands, in-game features that use close-range detection—the resolution limitation is less noticeable. Up close, 480p is livable. At distance, it's a nightmare.

You should buy it if you have a thick-bezeled TV. If you've already tested the clip mount and confirmed it won't grip your display, and you don't want to invest in a separate tripod setup, the handheld-only approach might be your reality anyway.

You should NOT buy it if you care about video quality. This should be obvious, but it bears repeating. If you're streaming, recording content, or engaging in any scenario where picture quality matters, the official camera is essential.

You should NOT buy it if you game primarily in docked mode. The TV usage pattern reveals every weakness of 480p. You'll be frustrated within minutes.

You should NOT buy it if you expect this to age well. Technology moves fast. As games demand better camera quality, this camera will become increasingly inadequate. The official model has more longevity.

Use Case Analysis: Who Should Actually Buy This? - visual representation
Use Case Analysis: Who Should Actually Buy This? - visual representation

Comparing to Other Third-Party Alternatives

The camera accessory market for Switch 2 is still young, but there are other options emerging. It's worth understanding where Hori sits in the landscape.

Some third-party makers are experimenting with higher-resolution models. There's talk in the community about 720p cameras hitting the market later in 2025. These would split the difference between the Hori's 480p and the official 1080p, offering better value for price-conscious buyers who still want acceptable quality.

Other manufacturers are focusing on niche use cases. Some are building weather-sealed cameras for outdoor gaming (which sounds niche until you realize that outdoor handheld gaming is huge for the Switch audience). Others are designing cameras with wider field of view, targeting multiplayer scenarios.

Hori's advantage is brand recognition and Nintendo's official licensing. That might matter for quality assurance and long-term support. Third-party alternatives might be cheaper, but there's risk. A no-name brand's camera might have driver issues or compatibility problems down the line.

Right now, the market basically offers three tiers: Hori's 480p at mid-budget pricing, the official 1080p at premium pricing, and emerging 720p alternatives from lesser-known manufacturers at budget pricing. It's still early enough that the landscape could shift significantly by the end of 2025.

Comparing to Other Third-Party Alternatives - visual representation
Comparing to Other Third-Party Alternatives - visual representation

Camera Resolution Comparison: 2025
Camera Resolution Comparison: 2025

Estimated data shows that the Hori USB Camera and Nintendo DSi share the same 480p resolution, which is significantly lower than modern standards of 1080p for smartphones and 2K-4K for professional webcams.

Installation and Setup: Zero Friction

One thing I appreciate about the Hori camera is that setup is genuinely frictionless. There's no software to install, no drivers to update, no account creation. Plug it in, and it works immediately.

In handheld mode, you just slide the connector into the Switch 2's USB-C port. The fit is snug but not tight—you can insert and remove it repeatedly without worrying about damaging anything. The cable management is thoughtful too. There's just enough slack that you can angle the camera however you want without the connector feeling strained.

For docked mode, you use the base station. The included cable is adequately long (around three feet, which is standard). The base sits stable on a surface, and the clip mount requires minimal adjustment to find a good angle.

There's no calibration process. There's no setup menu. There are no options to adjust—no brightness, contrast, saturation, or focus controls. This is good and bad. Good because it means minimal fussing around. Bad because you're stuck with whatever the factory settings deliver (which, as mentioned earlier, are somewhat washed-out).

Compare this to webcams for PC, which often ship with software that lets you tweak image settings, and you might wish for more control. But for a handheld gaming accessory, the simplicity is appreciated.

QUICK TIP: If you use the camera frequently, leave the privacy shutter closed when storing it. This protects the lens from dust and prevents accidental activation in a bag.

Installation and Setup: Zero Friction - visual representation
Installation and Setup: Zero Friction - visual representation

Gaming Performance: Tracking and Responsiveness

During my testing with Mario Kart World, the camera's tracking performance was solid. The game uses facial recognition to distinguish between players and apply customized effects or multiplayer logic. The Hori handled this accurately.

Head position tracking felt responsive. When I moved my head left, the game registered it quickly. When I made exaggerated expressions (testing the limits), the camera caught them. There was no lag that I could perceive during actual gameplay.

One interesting observation: the camera performed better with bright, consistent lighting. In my well-lit living room, tracking was reliable. When I moved to a dim gaming area with lamp lighting, there was occasional hesitation—the camera struggled briefly before reacquiring tracking. This is typical for any small camera sensor, but it's worth knowing about if you game in variable lighting conditions.

The 30fps frame rate, while not cutting-edge, was sufficient for gaming purposes. This isn't a professional video camera. You're not trying to capture cinematic motion. For in-game features and party mode functionality, 30fps is perfectly adequate. I never felt hampered by the frame rate.

Consistency was the real win here. The camera didn't stumble, didn't drop frames, didn't have weird behavioral quirks. It just worked consistently session after session. That reliability, while not sexy, is actually quite valuable in a gaming accessory.

Gaming Performance: Tracking and Responsiveness - visual representation
Gaming Performance: Tracking and Responsiveness - visual representation

Common Issues and Workarounds

During my testing, I looked for potential problems and found relatively few. The most consistent issue I encountered wasn't a failure—it was a limitation: the mount won't fit thicker TV bezels.

If this applies to you, your options are:

  1. Use it exclusively in handheld mode (trade-off: image quality at distance)
  2. Invest in a third-party tripod or arm mount (adds cost and complexity)
  3. Position the base on a shelf or table (less stable, requires clear sightline)
  4. Return it and buy the official camera (most expensive but most reliable)

Another limitation worth mentioning: there's no extension cable option for handheld mode. If you want to use the base station in handheld mode (for some reason), you'd need a third-party USB-C extension cable, which opens up compatibility variables.

The privacy shutter, while effective, can occasionally stick if dust accumulates around the edges. A light wipe with a dry cloth solves this instantly. It's preventive maintenance more than a real issue, but worth noting for long-term ownership.

Color drift under certain lighting conditions is noticeable. If your gaming space has very warm lighting (incandescent, candles), the camera will produce unusually orange-tinted footage. This is a camera sensor limitation rather than a Hori-specific issue, but it's worth testing in your actual gaming environment before committing.

Common Issues and Workarounds - visual representation
Common Issues and Workarounds - visual representation

Long-Term Durability and Build Quality

I can't speak to multi-year durability since I've only had the camera for a few weeks, but I can evaluate build quality based on design and materials.

The connector is the wear point I'd watch most carefully. USB-C connectors on mobile devices degrade over time with repeated insertion and removal. The Hori's connector feels robust, but frequent handheld use could eventually loosen it. The cable shielding appears adequate, so hopefully that's not a concern.

The camera lens itself is protected by the privacy shutter, which is smart. The base station is mostly plastic with reasonable wall thickness. It doesn't feel cheap, but it also wouldn't survive being dropped from a height. Handle it like you'd handle any gaming accessory—with normal care, not abuse.

The overall aesthetic suggests this camera was built to last a few years, not decades. That's fine. Technology refreshes faster than hardware wears out anyway. By the time this camera develops issues, there will likely be better alternatives available.

Hori has a decent reputation for build quality in gaming accessories. They make Joy-Con variants, charging docks, and other Switch peripherals. The Hori USB Camera follows the same design philosophy: functional, durable enough, and understated. You won't mistake it for a premium product, but you also won't feel like you're holding a cheap toy.

Long-Term Durability and Build Quality - visual representation
Long-Term Durability and Build Quality - visual representation

Competitive Positioning: How It Stacks Against Alternatives

The third-party camera market for Switch 2 is nascent, so there aren't tons of direct competitors yet. But Hori isn't operating in a vacuum.

The official Nintendo camera is the implicit competitor, and we've already covered that comparison extensively. From a business perspective, Hori is betting that 40% savings appeals to budget-conscious consumers enough to offset the quality gap. Time will tell if that's the right bet.

From an ecosystem perspective, Hori benefits from Nintendo's license and official endorsement. That carries weight. A completely unknown brand making a 480p camera might price it at $25 to compete, but consumers would rightfully question reliability and long-term support.

Looking forward, the interesting competition will come from the 720p cameras that are supposedly hitting retail later in 2025. If those land at $40-45, they'd be direct threats to Hori's value proposition. They'd cost more than Hori but less than official, while offering better quality than Hori and similar convenience.

Hori's longevity depends on a few factors: whether they stick with 480p or upgrade to 720p, how quickly competing manufacturers move into the space, and how much camera functionality Nintendo includes in future titles. If Nintendo supports it heavily, the ecosystem effect could carry Hori even with inferior specs. If camera features remain niche, specs become the primary differentiator.

Competitive Positioning: How It Stacks Against Alternatives - visual representation
Competitive Positioning: How It Stacks Against Alternatives - visual representation

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy and Why

After two weeks of intensive testing, here's my honest assessment: the Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is functional but compromised.

The design is genuinely good. Flexible, compact, easy to use, well-built. If those qualities mattered most, I'd recommend it without hesitation. But they don't. The camera's primary function is to capture video, and it does that poorly. 480p in 2025 is not acceptable for anything beyond basic functionality.

The price advantage is real but marginal. You're saving $20-25 compared to the official camera in most regions. That's not nothing, but it's not a no-brainer savings either. For an extra twenty bucks, you're getting dramatically better quality. The math actually favors spending more.

I think the ideal buyer is someone who:

  • Games exclusively in handheld mode
  • Never plans to broadcast or record
  • Wants to future-proof with a camera just in case
  • Is extremely budget-conscious and can't swing the $55 for official

If that describes you, sure, grab it. It'll work fine. But I think most people are better served saving a bit longer for the official model. The quality gap is real, and it's not negligible.

The bigger picture here is about ecosystem thinking. Nintendo is trying to establish camera features as a viable gameplay mechanic for Switch 2. That's a great goal. But it only works if the hardware is compelling enough that developers want to invest in camera features. A 480p camera doesn't inspire that confidence. The official camera does.

Hori made a pragmatic product. It meets a real need for price-conscious buyers. But it's not the camera I'd recommend unless you have specific constraints that make it the best option.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy and Why - visual representation
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy and Why - visual representation

FAQ

What resolution does the Hori USB Camera shoot at?

The Hori USB Camera shoots at 480p resolution, the same quality as the Nintendo DSi from 2008. This is a significant limitation compared to the official Switch 2 camera, which shoots at 1080p. The lower resolution results in blurry detail at distance and washed-out colors that become more noticeable when using the camera during docked gaming sessions.

Does the Hori camera work with all Nintendo Switch 2 games?

No. Camera functionality is only supported by a limited number of games, primarily party and multiplayer titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Mario Kart World. Not all Switch 2 games support camera input, so you're purchasing this accessory with the hope that more games will incorporate camera features in the future. The ecosystem is still developing, so current software support is minimal.

Is the Hori USB Camera worth the price difference compared to the official camera?

The Hori typically sells for

2035USD,about4020-35 USD, about 40% less than the official camera's
54.99 price. However, you're getting a camera with significantly lower resolution and a smaller field of view. Unless you specifically need the compact form factor for handheld-only gaming, the official camera offers better value when you factor in quality and longevity. The price savings don't justify the quality trade-off for most users.

Can I use the Hori camera mount with a TV thicker than standard?

No. The included clip mount only fits TVs with bezels up to approximately 1.5 inches thick. If your TV has a thicker bezel, the mount won't grip properly. In that case, you'd either need to use the camera exclusively in handheld mode or invest in a separate third-party tripod or arm mount, which adds extra cost and complexity.

What is the field of view of the Hori USB Camera?

The Hori USB Camera has an 85-degree field of view, compared to 110 degrees on the official Switch 2 camera. The narrower field of view makes it less ideal for group recording scenarios where you want to capture multiple players in frame. This becomes increasingly limiting if you use the camera for streaming or party gaming situations.

Does the Hori camera require any software drivers or installation?

No. The Hori USB Camera works immediately upon connection with zero software installation required. There are no drivers to download, no setup wizards, and no configuration options. This plug-and-play simplicity is one of the camera's genuine strengths, though it also means you can't adjust picture settings like brightness or contrast if the default output disappoints you.

How does the Hori camera perform in low-light conditions?

The Hori camera struggles in dim lighting. During testing in a low-light gaming area with lamp lighting, the camera experienced occasional tracking hesitation and required a moment to reacquire focus. It performs best in bright, consistent lighting environments. If your gaming space has variable or dim lighting, this limitation becomes more pronounced and noticeable during gameplay.

Is there an extension cable available for the Hori camera?

The Hori camera comes with adequate cable length for standard use, but there's no official extension cable. Using third-party USB-C extensions introduces compatibility variables that Hori doesn't officially support. If you need additional cable length, test compatibility carefully before extended use to avoid connection issues.

What privacy protections does the Hori camera have?

The Hori USB Camera includes an effective physical privacy shutter that slides to cover the lens completely. This is a valuable privacy feature that allows you to physically block the camera when not in use, providing genuine protection unlike software-based privacy controls. The shutter operates smoothly and feels intentional rather than gimmicky.

How does color accuracy compare between the Hori and official Switch 2 cameras?

The official camera produces significantly better color accuracy and saturation. During testing, the Hori's colors appeared washed-out and desaturated—reds looked muddy, pinks turned gray-brown, and overall contrast was poor. The official camera's superior sensor captures more vibrant, true-to-life colors, particularly noticeable when comparing side-by-side footage of the same scene.

FAQ - visual representation
FAQ - visual representation

Conclusion: Making Your Camera Decision

The Hori USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 arrives at an interesting crossroads. It's a functional third-party alternative to Nintendo's official camera, positioned as a budget option for players who want camera features without the premium price. But functionality and value aren't the same thing.

I've tested this camera thoroughly, and my takeaway is this: it does what it promises, but what it promises isn't particularly compelling. A 480p camera in 2025 feels like a compromise from the moment you power it on. The blurry faces, washed-out colors, and limited field of view remind you constantly that you saved $20-30 at the expense of actual usability.

The design deserves credit. Hori engineered a thoughtful solution for portable gaming. The flexible mounting, compact form factor, and stable base make it genuinely pleasant to use from a mechanical standpoint. If camera quality wasn't a factor, I'd be recommending this without hesitation.

But camera quality is the primary factor. It's literally the entire point of the product.

Here's what I'd recommend:

For most people: Save the extra $20 and buy the official camera. The quality difference is substantial enough to justify the cost. You'll have a camera that looks good, performs well, and holds up if Nintendo invests in camera-dependent games.

For budget-conscious handheld-only players: The Hori makes sense if you're never using it on a TV and accepting 480p limitations. It'll work fine in handheld mode at close range. Just understand what you're getting.

For everyone else: Wait. The camera market for Switch 2 is still young. By late 2025, there will likely be better options—720p alternatives at mid-tier pricing, possibly even competing licensed options. The landscape will shift.

Nintendo's early days with camera-integrated gaming show potential. The concept is solid. Games can do interesting things with video input. But the ecosystem only thrives if the hardware inspires confidence in developers. A 480p camera does the opposite. It signals that Nintendo isn't fully committed to camera features, and that hesitation flows downstream.

The Hori USB Camera isn't a bad product. It's a competent product in an awkward position. It's neither fish nor fowl—too limited for anyone who cares about quality, too expensive for anyone just looking for the absolute cheapest option. That positioning makes it difficult to recommend as a primary purchase.

If you've already decided you want a third-party camera for some specific reason, the Hori is reliable and well-built. But for anyone still deciding whether to buy a camera at all, my honest assessment is: the official camera is worth the extra cost. Commit once, commit right. You'll thank yourself when you see actual good footage on your Switch 2.

Conclusion: Making Your Camera Decision - visual representation
Conclusion: Making Your Camera Decision - visual representation

Key Takeaways

  • Hori USB Camera design is genuinely versatile with flexible mounting for handheld and docked modes, but 480p resolution is a dealbreaker in 2025
  • The official Switch 2 camera at 1080p is only 40% more expensive and delivers 3x better pixel density with superior color accuracy
  • Very few Switch 2 games currently support camera functionality, so you're purchasing this as a speculative accessory for future software
  • The clip mount won't fit thick-bezeled TVs, limiting docked mode usage for many players and forcing workarounds
  • For most buyers, the official camera justifies its higher price; the Hori only makes sense for budget-conscious handheld-only players accepting 480p limitations

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Cut Costs with Runable

Cost savings are based on average monthly price per user for each app.

Which apps do you use?

Apps to replace

ChatGPTChatGPT
$20 / month
LovableLovable
$25 / month
Gamma AIGamma AI
$25 / month
HiggsFieldHiggsField
$49 / month
Leonardo AILeonardo AI
$12 / month
TOTAL$131 / month

Runable price = $9 / month

Saves $122 / month

Runable can save upto $1464 per year compared to the non-enterprise price of your apps.