XCOM Legend Julian Gollop Can’t Stop Talking About Switch 2’s GameChat

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a big deal in 2025! With its release date set for June 5, as revealed in the Nintendo Direct. Gamers and developers are already buzzing about its features, and one name stands out: Julian Gollop, the mastermind behind XCOM. In a recent GamesRadar+ interview, Gollop shared his excitement for the Switch 2’s GameChat feature, calling it “cool” and “really good.” As the creator of a strategy game that defined a genre, his words carry weight. Want to know more about what’s got him so hyped? Check out our full Switch 2 breakdown at Total Apex Gaming.

What’s GameChat All About?

GameChat is Nintendo’s latest attempt to make online gaming feel more personal on the Switch 2. It lets up to 12 players use voice and video chat while gaming, all built right into the console—no clunky apps needed. You can access it with the Joy-Con 2’s C button, share your screen in real-time (even across different games), and connect with friends like you’re in the same room.

It supports up to four screen shares or video feeds at once, and there’s even an optional USB-C camera for face-to-face chats. Nintendo’s official GameChat page says it’s all about recreating that couch co-op vibe online. IGN notes this is a huge step up from Nintendo’s past voice chat efforts, which often felt like an afterthought.

Why Gollop’s Praise Has Fans Buzzing

Julian Gollop isn’t just any developer—he’s the guy who gave us XCOM: UFO Defense back in 1994, a game that’s still a benchmark for strategy titles . So when he says the Switch 2’s GameChat is a big deal, people listen. In his interview, he said, “There’s a big update in the hardware, some cool new sort of co-op style game chat feature is really good. Game share is really good.

It’s reminiscent of what we had on the DS.” He’s clearly stoked about how it could bring players together, especially for strategy games that thrive on teamwork. Gollop even hinted at the Switch 2’s mouse-like controls, adding, “A traditional-style mouse control RTS might work really well here.” For a genre that’s usually tied to PCs, that’s a bold claim—and it’s got XCOM fans dreaming about what’s possible.

Why This Matters for XCOM and Switch 2 Players

Imagine playing a strategy game like XCOM with your friends meanwhile plotting moves over voice chat, and watching each other’s screens as the action unfolds. GameChat could make that a reality on the Switch 2, blending the social feel of local play with online convenience. Gollop’s excitement points to a future where strategy games aren’t just solo experiences but awesome shared adventures. With the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware and this feature, it might just become a go-to platform for fans of the genre. What do you think—will GameChat change how you game? Drop your thoughts below!