The Nintendo Switch works without WiFi for most games, but WiFi is required for online multiplayer, game updates, and the eShop

You can play single-player games on your Switch without any internet connection at all. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Metroid Dread run entirely on the console itself. However, if you want to play online against other people, download new games, or update your existing games, you will need WiFi or a wired connection through a USB adapter.

The Switch has built-in WiFi, so you do not need to buy anything extra to connect to your home network. If you want a wired connection instead, Nintendo sells a USB LAN adapter separately, which some players prefer because it can be more stable during online play.

Key Takeaways

  • Single-player games and local multiplayer (playing with people in the same room) work without any internet connection.
  • Online multiplayer, downloading games from the eShop, and game updates all require WiFi or a wired connection.
  • The Switch connects to WiFi automatically once you enter your network password, and you can save multiple networks.
  • A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is separate from WiFi and is required to play online multiplayer in most games.
  • If your WiFi is unreliable, a USB LAN adapter provides a wired connection that may perform better during online play.

What you can do without WiFi

Any game that is designed for single-player or local multiplayer will run without an internet connection. This includes most Nintendo first-party titles like the Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon franchises. Local multiplayer means you and other players are using controllers connected to the same Switch console or multiple Switch consoles in the same room using wireless connection between the devices themselves.

You can also access your game library, adjust console settings, and create user profiles without WiFi. The Switch stores your games on its internal storage or on a microSD card, so once a game is downloaded, it stays there whether or not you are connected to the internet.

What requires WiFi or a wired connection

Online multiplayer games need an internet connection to reach other players' consoles. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate cannot connect to online matches without WiFi. Even if you own the game, you cannot start an online match if your Switch is not connected.

Downloading games from the Nintendo eShop requires WiFi. If you want to buy a new game or download a free title, your Switch must be online. Game updates also need an internet connection — the Switch will prompt you to update when you launch a game if a newer version is available, and you cannot skip this step to play online.

Cloud saves, which back up your game progress to Nintendo's servers, require WiFi to upload and download. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, your saves are automatically backed up when you are connected to the internet.

How to connect your Switch to WiFi

Go to System Settings on your Switch home screen, then select Internet Settings. Choose your WiFi network from the list and enter the password. The Switch will remember this network and connect automatically the next time you are in range. You can save up to 10 different networks.

If you are having trouble connecting, restart your Switch and your router. Make sure your router is within reasonable range — the Switch's WiFi antenna works best within 30 feet of the router. If you are far from the router or have thick walls between you and it, the connection may drop during online play.

Using a wired connection instead of WiFi

The Nintendo Switch does not have a built-in ethernet port, but you can add one using the USB LAN Adapter, which Nintendo sells separately. This adapter plugs into the Switch's USB-C port and connects to your router with an ethernet cable. A wired connection is generally more stable than WiFi and can reduce lag during online multiplayer.

The USB LAN Adapter works with the Switch in both docked and handheld modes, though in handheld mode you would need to keep the adapter connected via a USB-C cable. Most players only use it when the Switch is docked. The adapter costs around $30 and is optional — WiFi works fine for most people, but a wired connection is worth considering if you play competitive online games regularly.

Nintendo Switch Online and internet connection

Having WiFi and having a Nintendo Switch Online subscription are two separate things. WiFi is the internet connection itself. Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that gives you the ability to play online multiplayer in most games.

You need both to play online: WiFi to connect to the internet, and a Switch Online subscription to access online multiplayer features. Without the subscription, you can still download games, update them, and use the eShop, but you cannot join online matches. The subscription also includes access to a library of classic NES and SNES games and cloud save backup.

Traveling or playing away from home

If you want to play online games away from home, you need access to a WiFi network. Many public places like coffee shops, libraries, and hotels have free WiFi you can connect to. The Switch will remember these networks if you connect to them, so you do not have to enter the password every time.

Mobile hotspots from your phone can also work with the Switch. Go to your phone's hotspot settings, turn it on, and connect your Switch to it the same way you would connect to any other WiFi network. Keep in mind that using your phone's data plan to play online games can use a significant amount of data, depending on the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Nintendo Switch games offline after I download them?

Yes. Once a game is downloaded and installed on your Switch, you can play it offline as long as it is a single-player or local multiplayer game. Online multiplayer games require an internet connection to connect to other players, but the game itself does not need to download anything new each time you play.

Do I need WiFi to play with friends in the same room?

No. Local multiplayer works without any internet connection. You and your friends can play together using multiple controllers on one Switch, or by connecting multiple Switch consoles wirelessly to each other. The consoles communicate directly with each other, not through the internet.

What happens if my WiFi disconnects during an online game?

You will be disconnected from the match and usually cannot rejoin. Most online games do not pause when you lose connection, so you may be penalized depending on the game. A wired connection using the USB LAN Adapter is more stable and less likely to drop unexpectedly.

Can I use my Switch without ever connecting to WiFi?

Yes, if you only play single-player games and local multiplayer. You will not be able to download new games, update existing ones, or play online, but the console will function normally for offline play. You can also play games that came pre-installed or that you own on a physical cartridge.

Is the Nintendo Switch WiFi fast enough for online gaming?

The Switch's WiFi is adequate for most online games, but it is not the fastest connection available. For competitive games where reaction time matters, a wired connection using the USB LAN Adapter will generally perform better. Your home internet speed also matters — most online games work fine with standard home internet speeds of 10 Mbps or higher.