Best Nintendo Switch LAN Adapters
Find the best LAN adapters for your Switch here!
- Licensed by Nintendo
- Longer than most LAN adapters
- Not really compatible with other operating systems
The HORI Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter is an official Nintendo Switch LAN adapter, being licensed by Nintendo themselves.
- Compatible with lots of different gadgets
- Eco-friendly
- Tiny form factor
- Not licensed by Nintendo
The TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter is a tiny, eco-friendly option that you can use with a multitude of gadgets.
- Versatile
- Energy efficient
- Has LED indicator lights
- Not licensed by Nintendo
The UGREEN USB Network Adapter is an energy-efficient option and a versatile one too, being compatible with lots of operating systems.
- Affordable
- Backwards-compatible
- Gold-plated design
- Not licensed by Nintendo
The CableCreation USB 3.0 Network Adapter is an affordable yet effective option with many features that make it a great competitor to other LAN adapters.
- Affordable
- Supports the Nintendo Wii and most laptops
- USB 2.0 adapter
- Not licensed by Nintendo
The SMAYS Ethernet Adapter is a basic and affordable option, while still performing great.
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SMAYS Ethernet Adapter with laptopEven though the Nintendo Switch is a pretty innovative gaming system, it still does not have an Ethernet port. This means that those who want a wired connection from their router directly to their Switches need to get a USB to Ethernet adapter, also known as a LAN adapter. This is why in this article, we’re going to be laying out for you our top picks for the best Nintendo Switch LAN adapters.
Why do I need a LAN adapter for my Nintendo Switch?
With most gadgets, a wired internet connection provides a faster and more stable internet connection. This is also true for the Nintendo Switch, especially perfect for playing competitive multiplayer games as you can ensure that you will be experiencing minimal or no lag at all. To achieve this speed and stability, you need a LAN adapter or a USB to Ethernet adapter.
A LAN adapter allows you to connect your Nintendo Switch dock to your router via your modem’s LAN cable. It’s incredibly easy to set up as you just have to plug it in both ends before you can start experiencing the benefits of having your router directly provide an internet connection to your Switch.
What should I look for in a LAN adapter for my Nintendo Switch?
Firstly, the ideal LAN adapter should have a compact form factor, just right for the size of your Switch and for the other gaming platforms or devices you’re going to be using it with. Next, it would be best for you to get an Ethernet adapter with a USB 3.0 design instead of USB 2.0. This is because USB 3.0 is 10 times faster than USB 2.0, being able to provide a speed of 4.8 gbps (gigabytes per second) compared to the USB 2.0’s 480 mbps (megabytes per second). The 3.0 is also backwards compatible with devices that only use 2.0 so you don’t have to worry about not being able to use it with older gadgets.
Aside from those features, it would also be helpful to double check your adapter’s Ethernet port type to ensure that it is compatible with the Ethernet cables that you already have. This is important regardless of the actual devices you’re going to be using it with. Lastly, it would also be helpful to check your adapter’s compatibility with other gadgets so that you can get your money’s worth.
Best Nintendo Switch LAN Adapters
In this section, we’re going to be showing you the best Ethernet adapters for your Nintendo Switch.
HORI Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter
The HORI Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter is a popular choice for Switch owners, being licensed by Nintendo itself. It’s the official Ethernet adapter for the Switch, so it’s guaranteed to work perfectly with your device. Having said that, it’s specifically constructed to fit the Nintendo Switch Dock, being able to provide a steady wired Internet connection to your device. It measures 7.5 inches in length, significantly longer than other LAN adapters in the market. However, since it’s specifically made for the Switch gaming platform, it’s not really compatible with other operating systems so you may have a hard time using it with other gadgets.
TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter
For those looking for something that’s compatible with a wide array of different gadgets, then the TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter is the one for you. It uses USB 3.0 and can connect practically every device to your router or modem. It has a tiny form factor as well, so you can easily take this with you on trips together with the rest of your gaming equipment. It has great additional features as well, such as Wake-on-LAN, which detects the presence of a local area network and provides you with Internet connectivity instantly. It’s Green Ethernet rated as well, which means that it’s better for the environment.
UGREEN USB Network Adapter
The UGREEN USB Network Adapter is another energy-efficient adapter, and is a very versatile one too. It’s able to connect to any Ethernet port on modern devices, including Nintendo Switches. It has a longer wire compared to the previous option, making it a tad bit more comfortable to use. Some of its additional features include LED lights to give you indications on its status and activity. It’s also compatible with a lot of operating systems including Windows, Vista, Mac, and Chrome OS, making it great for those who are looking for something multipurpose.
CableCreation USB 3.0 Network Adapter
The CableCreation USB 3.0 Network Adapter is a capable and affordable option, being available to provide a fast and stable connection for various devices. Aside from the Nintendo Switch, it also supports Windows, Vista, XP, Mac, and Linux systems. It has Wake-on-LAN too, and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 standards. Lastly, it has a gold-plated design that not only makes it look like a premium option, but also increases its durability and conductivity.
SMAYS Ethernet Adapter
The SMAYS Ethernet Adapter is a great option for those who are just experimenting with using a LAN adapter as it is a pretty basic product. Aside from its affordability, it supports the Nintendo Wii along with the Switch so this is great for those who have both consoles. It’s also compatible with most laptops on the market such as Macbooks and Windows 10 laptops, so you can use this for other purposes too. Something to keep in mind though is that this is a USB 2.0 adapter, so you won’t be able to get the fastest speed possible compared to using a USB 3.0 option.
