@TimOelrichs

Feature Request: Netplay Video Chat Overlay (inspired by Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat)

Summary

Add an optional Netplay Video Chat overlay that allows players to display live video camera windows next to the main game view during online play — inspired by Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat, which already supports live video chat alongside gameplay.

Motivation

Netplay enables online multiplayer, but it currently lacks social presence.
Nintendo Switch 2 demonstrates that voice + video chat next to gameplay significantly improves the online experience.

Benefits include:

• Better cooperative gameplay communication
• More engaging competitive matches with real reactions
• Stronger community interaction
• Improved long-session Netplay experience

This feature would be fully optional and disabled by default.

Proposed Feature

• Display up to N video chat windows (e.g. 1–4 players)
• Video feeds rendered as a non-intrusive overlay next to or on top of the main game viewport
• Fully configurable:
  • Window position (corners / left / right)
  • Size and opacity
  • Enable/disable per participant
• Video chat runs independently from emulation timing and Netplay determinism

Technical Considerations

• Video streams handled outside of core emulation
• Non-deterministic, best-effort delivery
• Possible video backends:
  • WebRTC
  • Platform-native camera APIs
• Optional bandwidth limit and FPS cap for video feeds
• Graceful fallback when camera or bandwidth is unavailable

UI / UX Integration

• Toggle via Quick Menu → Netplay
• Clear indicator when video chat is active
• Mute microphone / disable camera per player
• Optional border or theme styling
• Main game viewport should never be resized unexpectedly

Privacy & Safety

• Camera and microphone access strictly opt-in
• Clear UI indication when camera is active
• No automatic camera activation
• No recording or streaming unless explicitly enabled by the user

Why This Fits the Project

• Nintendo Switch 2 already proves the concept with its GameChat feature
• RetroArch already supports:
  • Netplay
  • Overlays
  • Modular optional features
• This would modernize Netplay’s social experience without impacting emulation accuracy
• Entirely optional, configurable, and modular

TL;DR

Optional video chat windows during Netplay
Small live camera overlays next to the game screen, inspired by the real Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat feature — improving social interaction without affecting emulation accuracy.