Nintendo Switch 2 Rekindles EyeToy Nostalgia with Modern Camera Gameplay and Whimsical Minigames

One of the more surprising features of the Nintendo Switch 2 is its camera-based gameplay, showcased in the expanded version of Super Mario Jamboree. This new feature stirred memories of the PlayStation 2 era, specifically Sony’s EyeToy peripheral. EyeToy pre-dated the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect, offering an early form of casual, motion-based gaming that captivated audiences, particularly across Europe.

Nintendo Switch 2 Evolves EyeToy’s Legacy with Advanced Camera and Whimsical Minigames

For those unfamiliar, the EyeToy was a camera accessory for the PS2 that required players to use physical movements, like waving arms, to interact with games. Simple tasks such as cleaning windows or bouncing footballs made up the core of its gameplay. The EyeToy library grew with multiple minigame compilations from Sony and even contributions from third-party developers like SEGA, creating a memorable, if somewhat rudimentary, motion gaming experience.

Unlike the primitive tech of the EyeToy, Nintendo’s Switch 2 camera appears significantly more advanced. Early impressions suggest it can separate the player’s body from their background, similar to the virtual background feature in Microsoft Teams. Despite these technical improvements, many of the minigames shown – like punching power blocks and balancing Goombas – still echo the same whimsical, physical interactions of the early 2000s.

Nintendo Switch 2 Revives EyeToy’s Charm with a Modern, Live-Action Gameplay Approach

It’s important to distinguish Nintendo’s approach from Microsoft’s Kinect. Where Kinect mapped players’ motions to a 3D avatar, the Switch 2 appears to integrate a live camera feed directly into the game itself. This method harks back even closer to the EyeToy’s format, making the experience feel personal and visually immersive rather than abstracted through digital avatars.

Watching the new Nintendo Direct brought back fond memories of EyeToy’s unique charm. However, there’s a reason why Sony eventually moved away from this technology — it was limited in scope and appeal. While Nintendo’s modern twist on camera gaming feels nostalgic and exciting, it remains to be seen whether it will have lasting appeal or fade into novelty like its predecessor.