While most console multiplayer gaming has moved online, it doesn’t mean LAN gaming is a thing of the past just yet.
The upcoming Nintendo Switch will still have support for LAN gaming, according to Ars Technica. The news comes from a secondary announcement for a beta event for Splatoon 2 that inadvertently mentions true LAN support for the console. Gaming via LAN — short for local area network — refers to connecting consoles together via Ethernet cable instead of using an internet connection.
“In addition to this, a new feature called LAN Play will be added to Splatoon 2, allowing up to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – to connect via wired LAN,” the announcement says. “This feature allows players to create local Private Battle tournaments without the need for an internet connection. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with your fellow players.”
While it was already known the Switch lacked a physical Ethernet port and needed an adapter, the news narrows down the console’s expected feature set. Although the console has support for wireless LAN, true offline LAN support makes game setup extremely easy. As Ars notes, Nintendo hasn’t always been this straightforward with multiplayer options. On the Wii and Wii U, even offline LAN games had to get routed through Nintendo’s servers.
The Nintendo Switch, which will cost $300, will release March 3. Like its predecessor the Wii U, the console is built around a tablet-like device that can be connected to a TV via an included dock. New Switch launch titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, minigame-based 1-2-Switch and Super Bomberman R. The console will also see a handful of ports after launch that include Disgaea 5, Just Dance and Rayman Legends.
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