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6 Best Ethernet Adapters for Nintendo Switch for Fast Wired Internet

Sep 22, 2023

The Nintendo Switch is a great way to enjoy games both on the go and at home. While it does come with support for Wi-Fi connectivity, many users find the wireless internet speeds to be a bit slow. Instead, they may prefer the faster and more reliable speeds offered by wired Ethernet connections. If you’re also on the hunt for the best Ethernet adapters for Nintendo Switch, then you’ve come to the right place.

The Switch doesn't have a built-in Ethernet port, so you’ll need to get an Ethernet adapter if you want to take advantage of faster and more reliable internet speeds.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Ethernet adapters for the Nintendo Switch, to help you choose the one that's right for you. But first, you might want to check out the following:

Buy

If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly Ethernet adapter to use with your Nintendo Switch, this is it. You get support for Gigabit Ethernet coupled with TP-Link's reliability. Plus, you get a compact form factor. If you’re traveling, the cable can conveniently fold back into the chassis, thus making it easy to carry,

TP-Link is known for excellent networking products, such as budget Wi-Fi Routers. And they also make a USB to Ethernet Adapter compatible with Nintendo Switch. All you have to do is plug the USB dongle into your Nintendo Switch's Dock and then enjoy superfast internet speeds.

The UE306 is essentially an upgraded version of the UE305, with the major difference being the fact that you get a longer cable with the newer model. Interestingly, this dongle can be used with your laptops, PCs, etc apart from your Nintendo Switch.

Buy

If you’re planning to buy multiple adapters, then you should definitely check out CableCreation's offering. To wit, the company's USB to Ethernet Adapter is available in various configurations, and you can even place a bulk order for adapters from the brand.

Based on your liking, you can choose to buy the CableCreation USB to Ethernet Adapter in either Black or White. Also, while the normal option comes with a plastic cable, you can choose to up the build quality by opting for one that features a braided cable. You also get an aluminum casing for the adapter, which is neat. And regardless of which option you opt for, you get support for Gigabit Ethernet up to 1,000 Mbps.

Similar to the TP-Link UE306, the CableCreation USB to Ethernet Adapter is also compatible with a wide array of devices. As such, if you need to buy multiple adapters, CableCreation offers packs of twos and threes as well. The brand also has a 2.5G Ethernet adapter on offer. But, truth be told, the device is a bit overkill for the Nintendo Switch.

Buy

Like CableCreation's premium options, but don't want to pay the extra cost? Don't worry, UGREEN's got your back. Enter, the UGREEN USB to Ethernet adapter, which is yet another enticing option for you to consider.

In terms of functionality, the UGREEN adapter doesn't reinvent the wheel and offers the same set of features as seen on the TP-Link and CableCreation adapters. However, it scores big in the design department thanks to its aluminum shell design. Not only does it look good, but it is quite durable as well.

You also get two LED indicators next to the Ethernet port to indicate the networking status. The green light denotes that there is power transfer, while the yellow light indicates data transfer in progress. Add to that, it makes use of the same AX88179A chip used in more expensive adapters to offer the best speeds possible.

Buy

If you don't want to deal with longer cables and want to hide the adapter behind the Switch's dock, the Bionik Giganet Adapter is for you. Geared for the Nintendo Switch, the company has put a lot of thought into the design of the accessory for your console.

On that note, the Bionik Giganet Adapter slots directly into the Nintendo Switch charging dock. It does not interfere with the rest of the ports and offers a discreet look. What's more, is that it comes with a unique grill pattern on the surface. This allows for optimal cooling, thereby ensuring your internet connection doesn't incur any unnecessary spikes due to overheating.

One consumer did highlight that, unlike other products on this list, you might have to unplug and plug this adapter a couple of times to get it working. However, other than that, most buyers cite that their experience has been rather flawless.

In terms of performance, it doesn't offer any major improvement over the UGREEN adapter since they both use the same chip. However, if you’re all about cable management, the premium here is worth it.

Buy

The Nintendo Switch might be cheap in comparison to most other gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, but it is still an expensive piece of technology. As such, you might be inclined to get an Ethernet adapter that is officially licensed by Nintendo.

The Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter by HORI is, as the name suggests, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for your console. That said, unlike the alternatives prefaced above, Hori's offering is officially licensed by Nintendo. As a result, you get a reliable product that you can buy without having to worry about any hiccups or troubleshooting.

Of course, the downside here is the premium price. For what it's worth, the HORI adapter doesn't offer anything new. It has the same AX88179A chip which both the UGREEN and Bionik ship with. So you can expect the same performance with either of those two options. However, if you want utmost reliability, the officially licensed product is the way to go.

Buy

The D.Gruoiza Switch Dock comes with a USB-C cable that plugs into your Nintendo Switch console. The adapter itself is color coded with the same Blue and Red shades as the JoyCons. As such, the adapter's design blends superbly with the console.

In terms of connectivity, the Dock has a total of six ports. You get a trio of USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port. The Ethernet port has been positioned rather cleverly, so even if you plan on plugging a thick internet cable, it wouldn't be an issue.

The dock also lets you charge the console simultaneously. The small form factor and the rather affordable pricing make it a great alternative to the official dock from Nintendo. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are even better docks and charging stations for the Nintendo Switch that you can check out.

Using an Ethernet adapter can provide a more stable and faster internet connection for online gaming and downloading updates, compared to using Wi-Fi.

No, not all Ethernet adapters are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Ideally, the manufacturer will highlight that their adapter is compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Thankfully, all the adapters mentioned above work just fine with the console.

No, using an Ethernet adapter with the Nintendo Switch is typically a plug-and-play process. Simply connect the adapter to the Switch's USB port and plug in an Ethernet cable to connect to your router or modem.

Unfortunately, no. You do not get an Ethernet cable with the USB to LAN adapter. However, you can check out some of the best Ethernet cables on offer here.

A good Ethernet adapter can greatly enhance your online gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch by providing faster, more reliable internet connectivity. As such, you can take your Switch gaming to the next level and enjoy smoother, more responsive online play. Hopefully, our list of the best Ethernet adapters for the Nintendo Switch was able to help you finalize your next purchase.

For what it's worth, the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter seems like a great option. Or, if you are fussy about cable management, the Bionik Giganet Adapter should likely appeal to you. So which of these adapters will you be using? Let us know in the comments below.

Last updated on 02 May, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

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The content head for the Guiding Tech YouTube channels, Varun also contributes to the website for Buying Guides and Product Explainers. Feel free to reach out to him on Twitter.

1. Why should I use an Ethernet adapter for the Nintendo Switch? 2. Are all Ethernet adapters compatible with the Nintendo Switch? 3. Do I need any special setup or configuration to use an Ethernet adapter with the Nintendo Switch? 4. Do I get an Ethernet cable included with the LAN adapter?