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If you are an avid gaming fan of the Nintendo Switch platform, you know that you’ll be missing out on a lot without an internet connection. It’s because Nintendo Switch offers amazing features such as the online eShop store, where you can buy games and other products. You also get to play awesome multiplayer games with other fellow gamers online.
Then why should you miss out on all the fun? Well, you don’t have to, as there are plenty of ethernet adapters available for you to get internet connectivity with your Switch. If you’re planning to buy one soon, this guide will help you.
Why choose an Ethernet Adapter over Nintendo Switch’s WiFi?
Its because an ethernet adapter lets you download software and games faster than a wireless connection. For example, games like Super Smash brothers or downloading stuff from the eShop is super-slow if you use Switch’s WiFi.
Nintendo Switch’s WiFi chip, Broadcom BCM4356 runs 802.11 ac WiFi on 2.4 and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band offers you good speeds, but with poor coverage. The 2.4 GHz suffers from a lot of interference, which won’t be good for gaming or downloading. So, you need to buy an ethernet adapter to enjoy better speeds.
How To Buy The Best Ethernet Adapter For Nintendo Switch?
For the Nintendo Switch, you’ll have to buy a USB adapter. It’s because Nintendo doesn’t support anything but a USB adapter. Here are certain things you should keep in mind before your purchase.
USB Ports
Nintendo Switch supports USB 2.0 adapters, but you must know that USB 3.0 is the best for this gaming console. 3.0 adapters support velocities of 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps, whereas 2.0 supports only 10 and 100 Mbps. Plus, these 3.0 adapters are not too expensive, so you don’t need to upgrade them in a while.
At the end of the day, you have a choice to stick to USB 2.0 or a USB 3.0 adapter for your switch.
Internet Bandwidth
The amount of bandwidth you select will affect the gaming experience and speed. The Gigabit Ethernet adapters increase the bandwidth to almost 1000 MBPS. On the other hand, a normal adapter would offer you only 100 MBPS of bandwidth. So, pick the one that suits your needs.
Compatibility
You can call this a bonus tip! It’s better to buy an ethernet adapter that is compatible with multiple devices, apart from just the gaming platform. Therefore, choose a multi-purpose adapter.
Best Ethernet Adapters For Nintendo Switch
Now, let’s get right into the exciting stuff! Below is a list of the top adapters for the Switch you must check out.
This is one of the best adapters available in the market for all devices including the Switch. Offering up to 5 Gbps of speed and full 10/100/1000 Mbps performance, so your gaming experience is going to be amazing. This is also easily compatible with your laptop, router, or modem.
Pros
- Light-weight, compact, and easy to carry
- Plug and play functionality with Windows 10/ 8.1/ 8 and Chrome OS. It is compatible with most versions of Windows, Mac, and Linux
- 1000 Mbps of speed for smooth gaming performance
Cons
- Driver installation is required for Mac OS, Linux, and Windows 7/ Vista/ XP, which can get a little tricky
You can call this adapter a gamer’s bestie! Offering you a simple plug-and-play installation, you just have to plug in this device to your Nintendo Switch console and start gaming. This device has a USB 3.0 port and works at a speed of 1000 Mbps, so your gaming experience or file transfer remains uninterrupted.
Furthermore, it is also compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, making it an excellent ethernet adapter. There is an efficient LED that lets you know the network status. Isn’t that cute?
This costs a little more than the Ugreen USB adapter but is still great for gaming. However,if you’re looking for a device that’ll run smoothly on Mac, this might not be a good fit.
Pros
- High-speed gaming and downloading performance over USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports
- No need for driver installation, just plug-and-play
- 24/ 7 live technical support
Cons
- Some problems have been observed while plugging it in with Mac OS
As the name suggests, this is the official ethernet adapter for Switch. So, if you’re not sure which USB LAN adapter you have to buy for Nintendo Switch, this is the ideal ethernet adapter for you. This falls under the type of adapter that’ll make gaming a breeze, thanks to its 1 Gbps speed. This USB ethernet adapter is lightweight, compact, and is designed for the Nintendo Switch Dock.
If you want a reliable ethernet adapter just for Nintendo Switch, go for this. Although it has a huge price gap than the average asking price of adapters, it guarantees that it’ll run on Switch.
Pros
- Stable wired internet connection great for multiplayer gaming
- Comes with a sturdy cable of 7.5 inches, longer than other adapters
- Energy efficient
Cons
- It is less compatible with most operating systems
You can call this a budget ethernet adapter when it’s compared to the others. Offering you a steady speed of 1000 Mbps which can go up to 5 Gbps via USB 3.0, this is great for Nintendo gamers. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your notebook, ultrabook, or MacBook Air, for enjoying uninterrupted internet even in areas having poor connectivity.
Plus, it is perfectly compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Windows users can just plug-and-play, no driver installation is needed.
Due to its features, this can be a tough competitor for other USB adapters such as UGreen and TP-LINK.
Pros
- Stylish design and its portable
- Stable internet connection with offering high-speed gaming on Nintendo Switch
- Comes with lifetime technical support and 1 year of replacement warranty
Cons
- It isn’t compatible with Chromebook, and you have to install drivers for Mac OS, Mac OSX, Linux, and Chrome OS
Wrapping Up
Seamless online gaming on Nintendo Switch is impossible without an Ethernet adapter offering blazing internet connectivity. So, check the buyer’s guide in the article before you buy the right adapter for you. Although going for reputed brands is always a wise decision, compare the features to buy the adapter that’ll a bang for your buck.
Hey,
First of all, thank you very much for sharing this valuable information with us. But are you aware if there is any danger of a short circuit due to the powerline adapter? A friend of mine was using the D-link powerline adapter and suddenly a short circuit occurred, but none of them were hurt. I’m asking you this question because it happened to my friend. It is because I need a powerline adapter myself.