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

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.

Start at the Quick Menu → Netplay entry point and review the existing Netplay and overlay integration described in the issue. Define the supported video backend, participant and window limits, privacy controls, and fallback behavior before implementation; done means an optional overlay that does not affect emulation timing or resize the game viewport.