Nintendo says it may monitor and record chat sessions in updated privacy policy

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News, Switch, Switch 2

Nintendo has updated its privacy, and it includes a note that it “may collect, monitor and record audio and video of your chat sessions with other users to provide a safe and secure environment for certain of our services”.

This news comes ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, which includes the GameShare feature and ability to communicate with friends. Nintendo previously confirmed that the functionality includes a report feature.

According to Nintendo’s privacy policy, recordings are stored on your device for 24 hours. Users are able to review the last three minutes of relevant recorded content. It’s possible to report language / behavior that may violate applicable laws. Note that nothing is sent to Nintendo automatically.

Also updated is the Nintendo Account User Agreement. Here’s the rundown on that, in case you’re curious:

The introduction clarifies the existing requirement that account holders must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority where they live) and are responsible for all activity under their account.
Section 1 (Definitions) updates the definition of Nintendo Account Services to include additional Nintendo products and services where a Nintendo Account is required or you link your Nintendo Account.
Section 2 (License) clarifies that Nintendo services are licensed and not sold to you and includes additional restrictions on how those services may be used.
Section 4 (Use of the Nintendo Account Services) clarifies that the Agreement will control in the event of any conflicts with other applicable Nintendo terms and conditions and requires that you comply with all applicable laws while using your Nintendo Account.
Section 6 (User-Generated Content) clarifies that you must comply with the Nintendo Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms.
Section 7 (Shopping Services; Rewards Program; Online Subscription Services) and our Purchase and Subscription Terms link to our policies on Returns & Exchanges.
Section 11 (Nintendo of America Community Guidelines) clarifies that you must comply with our Community Tournament Guidelines if you participate in a community tournament.
Section 13 (Breach and Termination of the Agreement; Changes to the Agreement) provides additional information on when Nintendo may suspend or terminate your account and what the consequences of suspension or termination are.
Section 16 (Dispute Resolution) updates how you and Nintendo will resolve disputes with one another through binding, individual arbitration, including a new requirement for informal dispute resolution before arbitration and new processes for coordinated filings.
Section 20 (Additional Terms for Customers Using Apple Devices) has been updated based on Apple’s terms.
Section 21 (Third-Party Rights) clarifies that the Agreement is only between you and Nintendo.

Nintendo previously spoke about the GameChat frame rate, which some found to be a bit choppy. You can check out those comments here.