The Wi-Fi on the Nintendo Switch is really weak. Slow downloads, disconnections – everyone can relate to that. The dock of the OLED model at least has a LAN port, so you can use it to get around this problem. But this is missing from the normal Switch dock. But there is a solution: a simple 12 euro gadget from Amazon.
LAN instead of WLAN: USB adapter for the switch
Everyone knows the problem: You're playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online with your friends, you're on the home stretch of the last race and suddenly a simple message pops up: “Data transfer error”.
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Well, thank you very much too Nintendo! But Mario Kart isn't the only game that suffers from this problem. Actually is The Nintendo Switch's internet connection is generally unstable and often very slow – especially when downloading from the eShop.
The culprit is quickly found: The Wi-Fi on the Nintendo Switch is simply too bad. That's exactly why Nintendo has given the dock of the OLED version a permanently installed LAN port.
But do all owners of the normal version now also have to buy the expensive OLED dock in order to have a stable internet connection? Luckily not.
You can get one via Amazon for 12 euros USB LAN adapter Buy (look at Amazon) which performs exactly this function. To get the gadget at the special price of 11.99 euros, you have to go to the Amazon page Activate 3 euro coupon.
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Once you have the adapter in your hands, all you have to do is connect the gadget to one of the USB ports on the Nintendo Switch dock, push the LAN plug on your router into the corresponding LAN socket and your internet connection should be much more stable.
Looking for more practical accessories for your Switch? We have a few tips for you:
A better USB LAN adapter is not worth it
If you're wondering why we recommend a USB 2.0 adapter even though the Nintendo Switch does too a USB 3.0 port owns: The more expensive version is simply not worth it.
To date, Nintendo has not delivered an update that unlocks the full speed of the USB 3.0 port. All connected devices must be satisfied with USB 2.0 speeds.
Nintendo can still tweak a few Switch adjustment screws:
Other compatible adapters
By the way: Other USB to Ethernet adapters also work on the Switch dock, but not all of them. The prerequisite is that they AX88179 or AX88772 chipset from ASIX use, other chips are not recognized by the switch. (Source: reddit)
Others known to work include the officially licensed but more expensive adapter from Hori, a product from CSL, the above from Ugreen and the official Wii/Wii U adapter. However, the latter is not recommended due to its low speed.