Unable to Start or Join GameChat Session
Follow these steps if you are unable to use GameChat on Nintendo Switch 2. You may receive one of the following error messages:
"An error has occurred."
"GameChat cannot be used with your current network conditions."
Before you start
A persistent internet connection is required to use GameChat. Welcome Offer: GameChat can be enjoyed for free until the end of March 2026. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required.
You must register a phone number to your Nintendo Account to use GameChat.
If this is your first time opening GameChat, you'll need to go through the first-time setup. If you are under the age of 16 or are a parent/guardian with a child under the age of 16, we have a separate guide with additional steps.
Your console must have the latest system update installed to use GameChat.
Visit Nintendo's Network Status page and check for any posted service maintenance or outages.
If an outage or maintenance has been posted that impacts the GameChat service, wait until the outage or maintenance has ended and check whether the issue is resolved before following these troubleshooting steps.
Possible solutions
If you receive an error code, look up the specific error code you received to troubleshoot the issue with your network connection. If you have a smart device, you can scan the QR Code that appears with the error code to search for it.
Otherwise, select the option below that best fits your situation.
Are you using a wireless or wired connection?
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Move the Nintendo Switch 2 console within two to three metres of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
It may be helpful to remove the Nintendo Switch 2 console from the dock while troubleshooting, and then return the console when troubleshooting is complete.
If you have any filing cabinets, speakers, power strips, glass or cordless phones next to your console or wireless router, move them away.
Restart the console.
Power cycle your home network. Once network devices have powered back on and other devices can connect to the internet, test your console’s internet connection.
Create a new internet connection.
Situation Not Resolved:
To continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for help with the following:
Updating the router's firmware.
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings.
For further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, it will need to be returned for assessment. Please contact us for further assistance.
Test your connection after any changes are made to the console or network environment to determine if the change resolves your issue.
Check that both ends of the Ethernet cable are securely connected to the networking device (e.g. router or modem) and the LAN port on the dock.
Try a different Ethernet cable if either end of the cable does not stay securely connected.
Restart the console.
Power cycle your home network. Once network devices have powered back on and other devices can connect to the internet, test your console’s internet connection.
Use a different Ethernet cable to determine if the original cable you were using is damaged or no longer working.
Connect your Ethernet cable to a different port on the router if you are connecting to a device with multiple LAN ports. Most routers will have at least four ports available for network devices.
Situation Not Resolved:
To continue troubleshooting potential issues related to the router, contact the router's manufacturer for help with the following:
Updating the router's firmware.
Resetting the router back to its factory default settings.
For further assistance with the Nintendo Switch 2 console, it will need to be returned for assessment. Please contact us for further assistance.
Make sure you have approved friends to use GameChat with. These friends must have also already gone through GameChat setup on their end before you will be able to invite them.
If you tried inviting from chat history, it's possible that one of the users is not on your friend list or is no longer an approved friend. You may be prompted to send a friend request to a user who isn't on your friend list or to approve a user who is already on your friend list.
Confirm that you have consented to the GameChat terms. If you withdrew your consent to the terms, you will be unable to use GameChat until you consent again.
If you are under the age of 16, have your parent or guardian confirm that Parental Controls are still set for your Nintendo Account.
Depending on your age and the other users that are invited to a session, you may be prevented from joining a session you were invited to.
In most cases, you'll need to ensure that the other users in the room are on your friend list and are approved to use GameChat with you.
If you are under the age of 16, have your parent or guardian confirm that Parental Controls are still set for your Nintendo Account.
Other users in the GameChat session | Able to join? | |
|---|---|---|
User 16 or older | Only approved friends | Can join |
Includes a friend who you have not approved | Can join by approving that friend | |
Includes a user who is not on your friend list | Can join after being notified | |
Includes a user who is blocked | Cannot join | |
User under 16 | Only approved friends | Can join |
Includes a friend who has not been approved by a parent/guardian | Can send an approval request to parent/guardian | |
Includes a user who is not on your friend list | Cannot join | |
Includes a user who is blocked | Cannot join |