The online multiplayer battles can be frustrating Super Smash Bros. Ultimate if you are experiencing lag, slowdowns and/or disconnections. Fortunately, there are a few fixes that will hopefully resolve some of your connections issues. You can find these potential solutions with our troubleshooting guide below.
Potential Fix #1: Improving Your Wi-Fi Connection
If your Nintendo Switch is connected wirelessly to the Internet, then you are at a disadvantage as Nintendo recommends using a wired connection. With that said, you can still get some improvements by taking a few steps.
First off, it is recommended that your Nintendo Switch should be within 10 to 15 feet within the epicenter of your Wi-Fi hotspot. So, if your system is positioned farther away than the recommended range, then you should move it to the aforementioned distance. Afterwards, try an online match in Smash Ultimate to see if there are any improvements.
If you are still experiencing laggy matches and disconnections, then there could be objects between your Wi-Fi hotspot and Nintendo Switch that could be hindering the wireless connection. If you suspect that this may be the case, then try to remove any metal objects and devices between the Switch and networking devices. Once you are done, try fighting again over the Internet in SSBU to see if the lag, slowdown and/or disconnecting issues persist.
Wireless vs. Wired Connections in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online
If you are still experiencing connection erros, then you might want to seriously consider getting a wired Ethernet adapter for your Nintendo Switch. As we mentioned previously, Nintendo made it clear that the best way to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online is through a wired connection. This is because data is received and transferred faster, as well as being more stable, over the Ethernet than over a wireless network. Not to mention that a compatible adapter is pretty cheap.
The only disadvantage to using a wired connection is that you won’t be able to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate over the Internet in handheld mode as your system needs to be tethered to the dock. If you want less laggy matches, slowdowns and/or disconnects, then getting a compatible LAN adapter is highly recommended.
Potential Fix #2: Getting A Wired Ethernet Adapter for the Nintendo Switch
So which wired Ethernet/LAN adapter should you get for your Nintendo Switch? There are currently two types: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The USB 3.0 adapters are faster and only costs a little bit more when compared to the USB 2.0 adapters. With that said, the Nintendo Switch currently only supports USB 2.0 adapters; as a result, even if you use USB 3.0 adapters, the speed will default to those of USB 2.0.
On the other hand, Nintendo could eventually add USB 3.0 support via a firmware update to the Switch in the future. With the USB 3.0 adapters costing just slightly more than the USB 2.0 adapters, it may be a good idea to get the faster devices if you want to future-proof your wireless connection with your Nintendo Switch system. Below, you can find our list of recommended Nintendo Switch compatible USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Wired Ethernet/LAN adapters on Amazon:
- HDE Ethernet Adapter for Nintendo Switch
- UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB 2.0 to 10/100 Network LAN Wired Adapter
- AmazonBasics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 to Ethernet Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN Network Adapter
- TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter
- UGREEN Network Adapter USB 3.0 to Ethernet Lan Gigabit Adapter
After acquiring a supported Wired Ethernet/LAN adapter, plug both the adapter and your Nintendo Switch into the dock. Afterwards go to “System Settings” from the Home Menu, then “Internet,” “Internet Settings” and finally “Wired Connection.” Follow the on-screen instructions to setup your wired connection.
Once you are done with all the steps, boot up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and try playing the online matches. Hopefully, you will notice improvements when it comes to lag as well as less slowdowns and disconnections.
