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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. It’s 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, there’s 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 it’s worth noting that it won’t fit on chunkier displays – my TV, for example, proved to be too thick. Still, the overall versatility of the camera’s 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. It’s 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, there’s an effective privacy shutter on board, and it’s got a classy, albeit basic, black finish.

Sure, it doesn’t have the pizzazz of the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 – that model’s main selling point – but if you’re looking for something understated, then it isn’t half bad.

(Image credit: Future)

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

That low resolution means that you’re 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 you’re 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 you’d 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 wasn’t 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 isn’t 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 didn’t 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 Hori’s 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, I’m 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 I’ve 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, I’m tempted to say no. There are the obvious issues, like poor picture quality and color replication, but it’s also worth flagging that there aren’t 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. It’s 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 won’t 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 don’t 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.

You’re 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 you’re on the go.

Don't buy it if...

You’re expecting good performance
With a 480p resolution, you’re getting underwhelming performance from Hori’s USB camera. Picture quality is pretty blurry, and colors don’t 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, it’s 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
You’ll get far better picture quality from the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, which boasts a 1080p resolution. It’s solidly made and has a more luxurious feel than Hori’s 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 2’s 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.

I’ve 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. I’ve 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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AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL mixes affordability with comfort, resulting in a fantastically priced chair that's comfortable and ergonomic.

AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: One-minute review

AndaSeat has built something quite remarkable here. With the Kaiser 3E XL, it's balanced the books near perfectly, selecting just the right complement of modern features, and discarding those often gimmicky marketing additions some of us have come to loathe from most modern gaming chairs.

There's no intra-dimensional armrests, or super form-fitting ergonomic wire weave mesh cushions capable of stopping a bullet, nor any RGB lighting that'll sync with your Philips Hue bulbs, or built-in seat warmers.

It's just a simple, clean design that does exactly what it says on the tin, and that's nothing if not to be praised. The Kaiser 3E XL blends budget with comfort, providing outstanding build quality, plenty of ergonomic clout, and a comfy seat base to place your posterior on, either during, or after a hard day's work.

Is this the best gaming chair out there? Well, not quite. There are a few things it misses out on, namely, there are no included pillows of any kind (you need to buy them separately), and you can't adjust the lumbar support in any way, but if you're a fire and forget, taller kind of person, it's a real nice place to be.

(Image credit: Future)AndaSeat's Kaiser 3E XL: Price and Availability

• Costs $389 (around £290 / AU$580)
• Only available via AndaSeat directly
• Six colors across two finishes

Ahh, the old Achilles heel of AndaSeat chairs rears its ugly head once again. Unfortunately, as the Kaiser 3E XL is still so new that it's only available via AndaSeat's webstore, and only in the US. At least for the time being.

The good news is that these do make their way to traditional e-sellers and retailers across the regions (including Amazon) after a period of time, once the shipping containers finally land in their designated countries, but that's usually three to six months after the initial debut.

To be fair, the webstore does a fine job selling it too. Not only do you get access to additional colorways with the Kaiser 3E available in black, brown, orange, maroon, white, or this lovely fabric, ash gray (the others mentioned are all PVC leather), but there's also free shipping too, along with some extended warranties here as well.

AndaSeat will also kindly lop off $20 off its $69 magnetic memory foam pillow with cooling layer, which doesn't come included as standard unfortunately. Still there's a reason the 3E XL and its subsequent standard L model are so cheap, and that is part of it.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Specs

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1 in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

Max. user weight

395 lbs / 180 kg

Min. seat height

18.1 in / 46.0 cm

Seat width

21.1 in / 53.5 cm

Recline angle

90-155°

Warranty

3-years

Material

PVC Leather / Linen Fabric

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Design and Aesthetics

• Simple clean design
• Soft cloth finish is exceptional
• Could use a pillow or two

I've always been a big fan of the Kaiser series for its design philosophy. Aside from the dubious 6D armrests found on the pro line, the overall aesthetic is top-tier, competing with chairs two to three times the cost. The Novis in particular is a fine example of that, you wouldn't guess that that chair costs just $250 on average, and the same can be said for the Kaiser 3E as well at $390.

The soft cloth finish that I have on review here is exceptionally clean. It comes complete with a sleek black leather back, black detailing and trim throughout, and satin black plastic componentry too.

The armrests are impressively comfortable as well. If I were to be hypercritical, I could moan about the fact that they are a little square, but once you've sat in it for all of 20-seconds, you forget about that quite quickly, as they're perfectly comfortable, and adjust nicely, certainly compared to the cheaper Novis, and the ridiculously expensive 5D and 6D ones found on the pro-lines.

There are a lot of colorways, too, and although admittedly most are only available from AndaSeat's webstore directly, it's good to see a brand offer so many choices at such a low entry-point. In short, this is a chair that looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Where it falls short, and I'll touch on this a bit more in just a second, is that lack of lumbar adjustment and included pillows. That does hold it back somewhat, particularly if you don't get along with the default settings AndaSeat's implemented here. Still, for the money, it's overall seriously good.

(Image credit: Future)AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL: Comfort and adjustability

• Armrests are excellent
• Seat base isn't squishy
• No Lumbar adjustment

Getting into the nitty-gritty, the good news is that, overall, the Kaiser 3E does impress on the comfort front. The cloth is incredibly soft to the touch, wicking away moisture well, and it's not abrasive in the slightest.

The armrests, too, are excellent here. They're your standard "4D" affair, with 2.7in / 7cm of up-down motion, 0.78in / 2cm left-right adjustment, 1.2in / 3cm forward and back, and 36 degrees of rotation available to you. They don't fold in half or have some periscope pivoting design like those found on the 5D and 6D variants, and it's honestly leagues ahead as a result. Sometimes simpler designs are industry standard for a reason. They're also slightly padded, too, and although not super squishy, it does give your elbows and forearms a bit of give

The seat, though, is another matter. Compared to something like the Novis or the standard Kaiser 3, it doesn't feel quite as comfortable. If you've ever used something like a Noblechairs Icon, you'll understand fully what I'm talking about here.

Effectively, it's more of an ergonomic padded firm base, rather than a soft plush squishy affair you'd find from other models. That might be preferable for some, and arguably it's much better for your backside and spine long-term, but if all you want to do is sit back and relax after a hard day, it's not quite up to the same standard as the alternatives out there.

(Image credit: Future)

Then there's the lumbar support, and like the Novis, the Kaiser 3E has no adjustability built in as standard. That keeps the cost down, but takes away choice from the user.

That lumbar support is not entirely absent; there's a 1.9in / 4.8cm "outward curve" present at the base that does follow the curvature of your spine (even comfortable for a short 5ft 8in / 174cm fellow like myself), but if you're not a fan of the protruding ergonomics, you're stuck with it and there's little you can do.

Still, overall, it's a solid four out of five on comfort; you've just got to be prepared to deal with the lumbar support being what it is.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro: Assembly

• Easy to build
• Traditional setup
• Pre-attached arms

It took me around 15 minutes to build the Kaiser 3E XL. I'm a bit of a pro with gaming chairs at this point, but to be clear, there's a total of six screws for you to fandangle with here, and that's about it. You're not likely to have any major issues, and AndaSeat includes an incredibly detailed instruction manual with it as well.

Intriguingly, my guide did ask me to install and secure the armrests to the base; however, mine came with those pre-installed. That could be a regional thing as a heads-up, but even so, you're talking an additional four bolts, so not a lot of work by any stretch.

Usually, the biggest bugbear I have when it comes to building chairs like this is attaching the backrest to the seatbase. It can be a challenge with other chair brands to align the threads with the brackets that connect the two. Fortunately, AndaSeat has included a slot mechanism design on the tilt arm side that allows you to slide the backrest directly down and onto it, keeping the two roughly in position for you to thread the two screws back into.

I would recommend (for all chairs, as a matter of fact) that you don't tighten the four backrest screws up all the way one at a time, but rather do all four a little at a time, until they're all nicely secure.

(Image credit: Future)Should You Buy The AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL?Buy it if...

You're a well-built human
The Kaiser 3E XL is astonishingly sturdy, and has some impressive support stats at that, capable of supporting 395lbs / 180kg, and folks up to 6ft 11in / 210 cm in height.

You want quality, not gimmicks
There's nothing here outside of the ordinary, and that's a good thing because it seriously shaves down the cost. This is one of the best budget gaming chairs out there, with only a few minor caveats.

Don't buy it if...

You have specific ergonomic needs
With no adjustment available, that protruding 4.8cm curve is all you get at the base. If you need more comfort from your chair, you might need to plump for the Kaiser 4, or look elsewhere.

You're not into bucket seats
It does still have that slight old-school "gamer" styling, with the full-on racing bucket-seat design, complete with side bolsters and seat-belt gaps.

Also consider...

AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

Noblechairs Legend

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL

Price

$389 (around £290 / AU$580)

$630 / £400

$550

Dimensions

54.3 x 29.1 x 29.1in / 138.0 x 74.0 x 74.0 cm

55.9 x 20.5 x 20.5in / 142 x 52 x 52cm

53.0 x 29.1 x 22.6in / 134.5 x 74 x 57.5cm

Max User Weight

395lb / 180kg

331lb / 150 KG

395lb / 180kg

Min Seat Height

18.1in / 46.0cm

18.9in / 48.0cm

17.5in / 44.5cm

Seat Width

21.1in / 53.5cm

20.5in / 52.0cm

21.0in / 53.5cm

Recline Angle

90-155°

90-125°

90-165°

Warranty

3-years

2-years

3-years

Material

PVC leather or linen fabric

High-tech faux leather, or Fabric

PVC leather or linen fabric

Not your style? Just want something without fancy frills, or looking for something that's refined the design beyond all expectations? Then try out these alternatives.

Noblechairs Legend
The legend forgoes traditional bucket seat design language to instead opt for a more corporate office chic that really looks the part in any modern gaming setup. Although it lacks the overall "XL" status, it does support folk up to 150 KG in weight.

For more information, check out our full Noblechairs Legend review.

AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL
Big, bold, and beautiful, the Kaiser 3 Pro XL is a complicated creature, with 5D foldable armrests. What it lacks in odd features, it makes up for in impressive ergonomics, insane comfort, and solid adjustability.

For more information, check out our full AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Pro XL review.

How I tested the AndaSeat Kaiser 3E XL

• Used for two weeks before writing the review
• Notes taken throughout the process, including building
• Asked many people to sit in it for external feedback

I spent a grand total of two weeks testing the Kaiser 3E XL after it arrived on my doorstep. I took notes and detailed the gripes, bugbears, and pleasantries that I experienced while using it throughout that period.

Additionally, I also received a second unit, which was then tested externally at a place of work, giving me a good idea as to how it functioned in both professional and relaxed settings.

Read more about how we test.

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