In lieu of a more traditional username system, the Nintendo Switch 2 will still use the friend codes from the previous console, but thankfully, there is an easier way to add friends this time around. In order to add friends on the Switch, players had to enter a unique (and rather long) number that was tied to Nintendo accounts. That still exists for the Nintendo Switch 2, but there will be a way to circumvent the slow and tedious friend code manual inputs.
In an interview with Polygon, Nintendo's Bill Trinen confirmed that players will be able to add friends by scanning a QR code in the Nintendo Switch mobile app instead of inputting the friend codes manually. You can also add notes when you add friends for your own reference in case someone changes their username or does something noteworthy in a game. All of your current friends on the original Switch will transfer to the Switch 2, so no need to ask for your friends' codes again.
While a lot of fans were probably hoping for a friends system more akin to Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox, the QR codes should be a better option than what was previously...
