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How to Use the LAN Play Feature of Splatoon 2

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Steps on how to set up local LAN play with Splatoon 2.

Before you start

What you need for LAN Play
A diagram shows 12 Nintendo Switch consoles connected to a compatible router for LAN Play.

The following items are required for each console:

  • Nintendo Switch 2 dock (for Nintendo Switch 2 consoles)
  • Nintendo Switch dock (for Nintendo Switch consoles)
  • A copy of Splatoon 2 (physical or download)
  • Ethernet cable
  • LAN Adapter (for each dock without a LAN port)
  • TV or monitor

You will also need a wired router to connect the consoles together via a wired connection. Depending on the number of consoles connected, a networking switch may also be needed to connect all players together.

Splatoon 2 supports LAN play, allowing players to connect multiple Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch consoles together over a wired connection for the ultimate Splatoon 2 competition.

Complete these steps

  1. Create a wired Internet connection on each console.
    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch 2

      Important: The Nintendo Switch 2 console must be docked to be able to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Nintendo Switch 2 dock and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway.
      2. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console into the dock.
      3. On the console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. The System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet SettingsConfiguración de internetParamètres InternetConfigurações de internet. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals first. Internet page highlighted in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired ConnectionConexión con cableConnexion par câbleConexão por cabo.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • We also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch 2 is not placed in the dock.
    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch – OLED Model

      Important: The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console must be used in TV mode to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway. Ethernet/LAN cable connecting a router to the built-in LAN port of the Nintendo Switch dock model HEG-007.
      2. Place the Nintendo Switch console into the Nintendo Switch dock. A Nintendo Switch – OLED Model placed in dock with LAN port while connected to a wall outlet and television.
      3. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings option highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen.
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.. Nintendo Switch will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch is not placed in the Nintendo Switch dock.

      For more information, please see How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wired Connection.

    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch

      Important: The Nintendo Switch console must be used in TV mode to connect online using the wired connection type.

      1. Connect a wired LAN Adapter to the Nintendo Switch dock.
      2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway. A LAN Adapter plugged into the USB port on the Nintendo Switch dock by an Ethernet cable from the modem or router.
      3. Place the Nintendo Switch console into the Nintendo Switch dock. A Nintendo Switch console inserted a Nintendo Switch dock that is plugged into a wall outlet and television.
      4. On the Nintendo Switch console, select System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings option highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen.
      5. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.. Nintendo Switch will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals.
      6. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      7. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      8. Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless internet connection. This enables you to connect online even when your Nintendo Switch is not placed in the Nintendo Switch dock.
    • How to create a wired Internet connection on Nintendo Switch Lite

      Important: A USB LAN Adapter can be connected to Nintendo Switch Lite using a licensed accessory, such as the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite from HORI.

      1. Set up the Dual USB PlayStand for Nintendo Switch Lite (or other compatible, licensed accessory), then connect to it a wired LAN Adapter.
        • For any questions about licensed accessories, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
      2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN adapter and then connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router or gateway.
      3. Place the Nintendo Switch Lite on the Dual USB PlayStand.
      4. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. Nintendo Switch Lite will automatically search for nearby Wi-Fi signals. Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch.
      5. Once the option is available, select Wired Connection.
      6. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.
      7. Nintendo Switch Lite will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear, which can help you troubleshoot connection errors.
        • If possible, we also recommend setting up a wireless Internet connection.
    Important
    • All of the consoles must be connected to the same, shared router to use the LAN Play feature.
    • If your router does not have enough LAN ports for every system you wish to connect, a networking switch can be connected to the router to provide additional LAN ports.
  2. When all of the desired consoles are connected, have a player create a room and act as a host.
    1. Launch Splatoon 2 from the HOME Menu.
    2. From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select The Shoal in the Map section. The Shoal highlighted In the Map section of the Inkopolis Square menu.
    3. After entering the Shoal, press and hold the L Button and R Button, and then at the same time click in and hold the Left Stick.
      • Preparing LAN Play will appear on the screen after a few seconds if done correctly. A pop up displaying Preparing LAN play.
    4. Select Host a Private Battle or Host Salmon Run, depending on which game mode you wish to play.
    5. Use the options on the left side of the Lobby screen to adjust the stage and other options as you wait for other players to join. The Lobby screen showing stage and other options on the left while waiting for players on the right.
  3. Have the other players join the room.
    1. Launch Splatoon 2 from the HOME Menu.
    2. From Inkopolis Square, press the X Button to bring up the menu, then select The Shoal in the Map section. The Shoal highlighted In the Map section of the Inkopolis Square menu.
    3. After entering the Shoal, press and hold the L Button and R Button, and then at the same time click in and hold the Left Stick.
      • Preparing LAN Play will appear on the screen after a few seconds if done correctly. A pop up displaying Preparing LAN play.
    4. Select Find room. Find Room selected on the The Shoal menu.
    5. Select the name of the host player. The room host's name highlighted in the Find Room menu
    6. Select Yeah when asked if you would like to join.
  4. Have the host and party members start the match.
    1. Once all members have joined, the host will select Ready, Then, after all members have selected that they are ready, the match will start.

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