The Nintendo Switch is expected to be one the best selling products of the 2017 holiday season. If you are planning to pick up the console, either for yourself or as a gift to a loved one, we recommend getting a compatible LAN Adapter. Below, you can find our buying guide for the best Nintendo Switch Ethernet Network Adapters to look out for during Black Friday or anytime during this holiday shopping season.
Do you need a LAN Adapter for the Nintendo Switch?
So do you actually need a LAN Adapter for the Nintendo Switch? The answer depends on how you use the system. The Nintendo Switch features a eShop where you can download digital games, most of which won’t have a physical release. Not to mention that a few games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2, have online multiplayer. Thus, having a stable and fast internet connection is important if you want to get the most out of the system.
While the Nintendo Switch does not come with a built-in Ethernet port, it does have Wi-Fi capabilities. With that said, the receiver is not that strong, especially if you are far away from the router/modem and/or have obstructions hindering the signal.
If you want a faster and more stable connection for the Nintendo Switch, then getting a compatible Ethernet Adapter is a must. Keep in mind that the LAN Adapters can only be used with the Nintendo Switch while it is in docked mode. If you are planning to primarily use the system as a portable, you are limited to Wi-Fi when it comes to using the online capabilities.
USB 2.0 to 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter vs. USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
There are two types of Ethernet Network Adapters that are readily available for the 2017 holiday season: USB 2.0 to 10/100 Gigabit and USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit. The USB 3.0 models are faster while only costing a little bit more when compared to the USB 2.0 versions.
However, the Switch currently only supports USB 2.0 connections. Nintendo previously revealed that they are planning to add support for USB 3.0 via a firmware update although it is currently unknown when that will happen.
For now, we still recommend getting USB 3.0 LAN Adapters over USB 2.0 LAN Adapters as the former is only slightly more expensive while being more future proof. Thus, in case Nintendo decided to add USB 3.0 support for the Nintendo Switch, you don’t need to purchase another network adapter if you want faster internet speeds for the console.
You can check out our lists of recommend Nintendo Switch Ethernet Adapters on Amazon with this links below:
Top supported USB 3.0 Ethernet Network Adapters:
- Plugable USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter
- UGREEN Network Adapter USB 3.0 to Ethernet RJ45 Lan Gigabit Adapter
Best compatible USB 2.0 Ethernet Network Adapters:
- HDE Nintendo Switch / Wii U / Wii USB to LAN Network Adapter Ethernet
- UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB 2.0 to 10/100 Network RJ45 Lan Wired Adapter
Officially licensed Hori Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter
There is also an officially licensed USB 2.0 Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter from Hori. With that said, this product is more expensive when compared to the adapters we mentioned above. So you are better off getting the aforementioned alternatives. If you are still interested, you can check out the officially licensed Hori Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter with this page.
So, if you are getting a Nintendo Switch and plan on using plenty of its online features, then you should keep an eye on the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 LAN Adapters we mentioned above during Black Friday or anytime during this holiday shopping season.
