A Buyer's Guide to LAN Adapters for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch Online service, which launched in 2018, requires a subscription for most online multiplayer games. To ensure the best possible experience, a stable internet connection is essential. The console’s built-in Wi-Fi can be unreliable, leading to lag and disconnections. A wired Ethernet connection provides a more consistent and often faster alternative, but the Nintendo Switch dock lacks a built-in Ethernet port. This requires a separate USB LAN adapter.

Why Use a Wired Connection on Switch?

For competitive online games such as Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a stable connection is paramount. Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference from other wireless devices, physical obstructions like walls, and distance from the router. This can cause intermittent lag spikes, packet loss, and high latency, all of which can negatively impact gameplay.

A wired connection via a LAN adapter bypasses these issues entirely. By physically connecting the Switch dock to a router with an Ethernet cable, the data transfer becomes much more reliable. This typically results in lower and more consistent latency, or ping, which is the time it takes for data to travel from the console to the game server and back. A lower ping reduces the delay between a player’s input and the corresponding action in the game, a critical factor in fast-paced titles. While a wired connection may not always increase raw download speed, its primary benefit is the stability it brings to the online gaming experience.

USB 3.0 vs. USB 2.0 Adapters

When selecting a LAN adapter, one of the main considerations is the USB standard it uses. USB 3.0 adapters support Gigabit Ethernet speeds (up to 1,000 Mbps), while older USB 2.0 adapters are typically limited to Fast Ethernet speeds (up to 100 Mbps).

The original Nintendo Switch dock is equipped with two USB 2.0 ports on the side and one USB 3.0 port on the back, inside the cable management compartment. However, at the time of writing in early 2020, all ports on the Switch dock operated at USB 2.0 speeds. Nintendo had stated that full USB 3.0 functionality for the rear port would be enabled in a future system software update, though no specific timeline was given.

Because of this, purchasing a USB 3.0 LAN adapter can be seen as a way to future-proof the setup. While it would function as a USB 2.0 device initially, it would be ready to take advantage of faster speeds if Nintendo enabled the port’s full capabilities. For now, both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 adapters deliver the core benefit of a stable, wired connection that is more than sufficient for online play.

Recommended LAN Adapters

Several third-party manufacturers produce LAN adapters that are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. The choice often comes down to brand reputation, price, and whether having potential access to Gigabit speeds is a priority.

USB 3.0 Gigabit Adapters

For those looking to be prepared for the potential USB 3.0 update, these adapters offer 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds. Even when limited by the Switch’s USB 2.0 operation, they are backward-compatible and work perfectly for providing a stable connection.

• AmazonBasics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: A straightforward and popular option, this adapter is known for its simple plug-and-play functionality. It’s a reliable choice that balances performance and cost.
• Plugable USB 3.0 to Ethernet Gigabit LAN Network Adapter: Plugable is a well-regarded brand in the connectivity space. Their adapters are known for using common chipsets that ensure broad compatibility, making them a safe bet for the Switch.
• TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter: This compact adapter is another solid choice for achieving Gigabit speeds. It is designed for portability and ease of use, connecting the Switch dock to a wired network without a complicated setup.
• UGREEN Network Adapter USB 3.0 to Ethernet RJ45 Lan Gigabit Adapter: UGREEN offers a range of networking accessories, and its USB 3.0 adapter is a frequently recommended option for Switch users. It typically features indicator lights to confirm connection status.

USB 2.0 Adapters

If future-proofing is not a concern, a USB 2.0 adapter is a perfectly capable and often more affordable choice. A 100 Mbps connection is ample for online gaming on the Switch.

• Hori Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter: As the only officially licensed adapter by Nintendo, the Hori model guarantees compatibility. For players who prefer to use official or licensed accessories, this is the definitive choice. Its design and branding match the Switch ecosystem.
• HDE Ethernet Adapter for Nintendo Switch: This adapter is a basic, no-frills option that gets the job done. It is often among the most inexpensive adapters that are confirmed to work with the console.
• UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB 2.0 to 10/100 Network RJ45 LAN Wired Adapter: UGREEN also produces a USB 2.0 version of its popular adapter. It provides the same reliable stability as its 3.0 counterpart but is capped at 100 Mbps, making it a cost-effective solution.

Using a LAN Adapter with Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite, being a handheld-only device, does not include a dock and lacks any standard USB-A ports. To use a USB LAN adapter with the Switch Lite, an additional accessory is required to provide those ports.

Nintendo recommended the officially licensed Hori Nintendo Switch Dual USB Playstand. This accessory acts as a charging stand for the Switch Lite and includes two USB-A 2.0 ports. This allows players to connect a LAN adapter and other peripherals, such as a wired controller, while the console is in tabletop mode. The stand is a necessary purchase for any Switch Lite owner who wants the stability of a wired internet connection.