Thanks to "Splatoon 2," information regarding the Nintendo Switch supporting local multiplayer was known. An earlier announcement said that it would be possible to hook up to eight consoles simultaneously. New information, however, confirms that up to 10 units can now be hooked up to a router/Ethernet switch.
A recent Nintendo press release made mention that the Nintendo Switch is capable of LAN play feature. According to Gamespot, it would be possible to hook up 10 docked Nintendo Switch consoles via a wired LAN to play proper tournaments. However, hooking up eight consoles for a more casual get-together is likewise possible via local wireless connection, as previously announced.
While it is possible to hook up 10 Nintendo Switch consoles via its LAN Play feature, only eight players will be able to play with the other two joining in as spectators, the announcement said. Players will be able to conduct tournaments without the need of an internet connection for a true local offline LAN party.
Lacking a physical standard Ethernet port, the Nintendo Switch's feature set is narrowed down. According to Ars Technica, the solution is to acquire separate USB-to-Ethernet adapters for every console that would be connected via a wired connection. Accordingly, an officially licensed option is available from Hori for $30, although other options will work just as well.
The ability of the Nintendo Switch to connect up to 10 consoles in local LAN is impressive enough even though only eight can actually play. The possibility is present and could suggest that a true 10-player gaming mode could come later in the pipeline.
Wii and Wii U USB-to-Ethernet adapters work on the same principle, however, Wii and Wii U connections will not function in a true LAN setting. Their wired connection has to be routed through Nintendo's centralized online service even if both systems are on the same router/Ethernet switch.
The Nintendo Switch is due for release on March 3 and retails for $300.
