There Nintendo Switch 2 has just received a new “good deal” directly linked to its most shunned functionality: GameChat. Just after the end of the free access period, Nintendo is trying to revive interest around its integrated chat system by distributing My Nintendo rewards without paying a cent.
GameChat, thought of as the in-house answer to Discord, has moved behind the paywall Nintendo Switch Online on March 31, 2026, after a free “Welcome Offer” period. However, the service remains largely ignored by gamers, who prefer Discord on smartphones. To convince them to give it a chance, Nintendo is now offering an immediate bonus to those who just launch the application.
Nintendo Switch 2: what is this GameChat bonus that everyone can collect?
According to NSO Icon Alerts, open GameChat on your Switch2 unlock a mission Missions & Rewards in the app Nintendo Switch Online. Key reward: 100 My Nintendo Platinum Pointscredited simply for loading the service onto the console.
These points can then be immediately used to purchase a new set ofNintendo Switch Online profile icons GameChat themes. There are stylized avatars representing players in the middle of a social session around the Switch 2. Each icon costs 10 platinum pointswhich means that the bonus alone allows you to collect up to ten without having to grind other missions.
Pay attention to the calendar though: this set of GameChat icons is available for a limited time, until April 22, 2026 Nintendo server side. With the time difference (end set at 5:59 a.m. PT), French players in practice have until the morning of April 23 to do what is necessary.
GameChat on Switch 2: how to take advantage of the bonus without actually using it?
As a reminder, GameChat is the voice and video chat solution of the Nintendo Switch 2with screen sharing options, accessible only to subscribers NSO. It is launched from the dedicated icon on the home screen or via the Joy-Con 2 button C. In fact, many players consider it less practical than a simple living room Discordin addition to having a significant impact on in-game performance.
The good news is that you don’t have to adopt GameChat on a daily basis to pocket the reward. Simply launch the app at least once, complete the initial setup, then open the app Nintendo Switch Onlinesection Missions & Rewardsto validate the mission and collect the 100 platinum points. Then, you are free to ignore the C button or restrict access to GameChat via the parental controls if you share the console with children.
GameChat Switch 2 bonus: should you take advantage of it and what is Nintendo preparing?
This cosmetic boost comes just days after GameChat ended free, now reserved for subscribers Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo is applying here a strategy already seen on other My Nintendo missions: offering points and icons limited in time to encourage players to test a feature that is not very attractive by default.
Is this enough to rehabilitate GameChat against Discord? Probably not. On the other hand, for deal hunters and fans of profile customization, ignoring 100 free platinum points makes little sense. Launching GameChat once, retrieving the icons, then returning to your usual chat app will undoubtedly remain the most common scenario among Switch 2 players.