Can Two Nintendo Switches Play Together Without Wi-Fi? The Ultimate Guide

Absolutely! The Nintendo Switch shines when it comes to local multiplayer experiences, and the good news is, you don’t need Wi-Fi to enjoy gaming with friends on separate consoles in the same room. Let’s dive into the details of how this works and explore everything you need to know about playing together on the Switch without an internet connection.

Understanding Local Wireless Play on Nintendo Switch

The key to playing together without Wi-Fi lies in the Switch’s Local Wireless Play feature. This technology allows up to eight Nintendo Switch consoles to connect directly to each other wirelessly, creating a mini-network without needing an internet connection or even a local Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a private, temporary gaming bubble just for you and your friends.

How Does Local Wireless Play Work?

Essentially, one Switch acts as the host, creating a lobby for other players to join. Other players can then search for and join that lobby directly, similar to joining a Wi-Fi network, but without the internet. The consoles connect directly to each other, enabling players to engage in private matches without any interference from the outside world.

Games That Support Local Wireless Play

Many of the most popular Switch games support Local Wireless Play, including:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic for a reason, supports up to 8 players locally!
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Perfect for epic battles with up to 8 players.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Visit each other’s islands for some co-op fun.
• Super Bomberman R: Enjoy chaotic, bomb-blasting multiplayer action.
• Pokémon Sword and Shield: Trade and battle Pokémon with friends locally.
• Splatoon 2 & 3: Participate in Private Battles with your friends.
• Minecraft: Explore and build together in your own worlds.

Important Note: Not all games support local multiplayer or Local Wireless Play. Always check the game’s packaging or the Nintendo eShop description to confirm compatibility. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games facilitate learning and social interactions, including experiences like local multiplayer.

Setting Up Local Wireless Play

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Ensure everyone has a copy of the game. In most cases, each player needs their own physical or digital copy of the game they want to play together.
2. Power on all Nintendo Switch consoles.
3. Navigate to the game you want to play.
4. Select the Local Wireless Play option. The exact wording may vary depending on the game, but look for options like “Local Play,” “Wireless Play,” or similar terms.
5. One player hosts the lobby. Choose the option to “Create Lobby,” “Host Game,” or similar language.
6. Other players join the lobby. Choose the option to “Search for Lobby,” “Join Game,” or similar language, and select the lobby created by the host.
7. Configure game settings. Once everyone is connected, you can typically adjust game settings, such as teams, rules, and maps.
8. Start playing! Get ready to have some fun!

Key Considerations for Local Wireless Play

• Distance: The consoles need to be within a reasonable distance of each other to maintain a stable connection. Generally, staying within 30 feet (10 meters) is recommended. Obstacles like walls can reduce the range.
• Interference: Electronic devices can sometimes interfere with the wireless signal. Try to keep the area clear of other wireless devices if you experience connectivity issues.
• Game Compatibility: As mentioned earlier, ensure the game you want to play supports Local Wireless Play. Some games may only offer online multiplayer.
• Controller Setup: Ensure everyone has a compatible controller setup. Some games support Joy-Cons, while others may require separate Pro Controllers for each player.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that are related to playing Nintendo Switch games together:

1. Do both players need Nintendo Switch Online to play locally?

No, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play local multiplayer using Local Wireless Play. Nintendo Switch Online is only required for online multiplayer, where you play with people over the internet.

2. Can I play the same digital game on two Switches simultaneously?

You cannot use the same Nintendo Account to access the same digital game on two consoles simultaneously. Only the primary console for that account can play the game without needing an internet connection for verification. The secondary console requires an internet connection to verify the game license each time it’s launched.

3. How do I share digital games between two Switches?

To “share” games digitally, you need to link your Nintendo Account to the non-primary Switch and redownload the games. However, remember that only one console can play the game at a time using the same account. The primary console has unrestricted access, while the non-primary console requires periodic internet verification.

4. Can two Switches share Nintendo Online?

Yes, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, everyone in your family group can access the service on their own Nintendo Switch systems. They do not need to use the same console.

5. How do I set a secondary Switch?

To set a secondary Switch, you need to deregister the primary console through the Nintendo eShop on that device. Then, on the second Switch, link your Nintendo Account and it will automatically become the secondary console.

6. Can two Switches play Smash Bros. together locally?

Yes, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate supports local multiplayer with up to eight players by linking multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. Each player needs their own Switch and a copy of the game to participate.

7. Do I need two copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to play locally?

Yes, each Nintendo Switch console used for Local Wireless Play requires a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (physical or digital). However, if two players are sharing one console, they can split the Joy-Cons and play with just one copy of the game.

8. Why can’t other users play my games on my Switch?

Only the primary console for your Nintendo Account allows other users to play your downloaded games without needing an internet connection. If you change the primary console, others won’t be able to play your games until you make their console the primary one again.

9. How many times can I change my primary Switch?

You can change your primary Switch as many times as you need, but only one console can be the primary console for a given Nintendo Account at a time.

10. Can I play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with friends without Switch Online?

Yes, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports local wireless play, allowing up to 8 players to connect multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together via a local wireless connection without the need of Nintendo Switch Online.

11. What happens when I connect two Switches?

When you connect Switches using Local Wireless Play, it creates a direct wireless connection between the consoles, allowing for local multiplayer gaming without needing Wi-Fi. This enables up to eight consoles to participate in compatible games.

12. Can I play the same game from a single cartridge on two Switches?

No, you can’t play the same game from a single cartridge on two Switches simultaneously. Each console needs its own copy of the game (either physical or digital) to participate in multiplayer modes.

13. Can two switches share game data?

Yes, you can transfer save data between two Switches using the Save Data Transfer feature. This allows you to continue playing a game on a different console from where you left off. However, some games, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, have save data that is tied to the console, not the user, making transfer impossible in that way.

14. Can you play 8-player Mario Kart with only 2 switches?

The most you can get on a single Switch is 4 players, so with two Switches, the possibilities are four players with two players on one Switch each or four players on one Switch and four players on another running entirely separate games.

15. What is needed for my child to play with other kids via the Nintendo switch?

The first thing that is needed is a Nintendo Switch Online family membership which allows up to 8 players to be added and play together. The second thing that is needed is a reliable high-speed internet connection.

Conclusion

Playing together on the Nintendo Switch without Wi-Fi is a fantastic way to enjoy local multiplayer gaming with friends and family. By utilizing the Local Wireless Play feature, you can create a private gaming experience without the need for an internet connection. Now, gather your friends, grab your Switches, and get ready for some unforgettable gaming sessions!