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The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console that can be played however you like, but you may wonder if the Nintendo Switch system can be played without an internet connection.

The Nintendo Switch family of systems (original, Lite, and OLED models) can all be played without an internet connection and the system does not require an internet connection. The Nintendo Switch can be setup and physical games can be played even if there isn’t internet available. All without issue.

Therefore, the Nintendo Switch does not require an internet connection to play.

Even if you do not have internet, no worries. You can still play the Nintendo Switch the moment you get one.

Now, let’s get into even more helpful details about Nintendo Switch’s online you should know about!

Can Nintendo Switch Games Be Played Offline?

Most Nintendo Switch games can be played offline without the need for internet connection. Online-only games (such as the popular game Fortnite, Warframe, Pokemon Unite and other titles) require internet and can only be played when an internet connection is available.

Furthermore, it’s beneficial to think of Nintendo Switch games in terms of three online categories:

1. games that don’t require internet to play
2. games that don’t require internet but have internet focused features
3. games that require internet to play

1) Games That Don’t Require Internet To Play

Nintendo Switch games that don’t require internet to play consists of most games found at retail stores that come in a box with a game card.

These games simply need to be inserted into the Nintendo Switch game card slot to play.

Nintendo Switch games that don’t require internet to play include most major titles from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and Rise to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

Popular Nintendo Switch Games That Don’t Require An Internet Connection

2) Games That Have Internet Focused Features

Nintendo Switch games that have internet focused features may require internet for certain game modes or content updates and new features.

These games tend to overlap with games from the previous category: games that don’t require internet to play.

For example, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate and Rise all can be played offline.

A large amount of Nintendo Switch games also include features that require online but are optional

Each game, however, includes robust multiplayer online modes for more than one person to play together over a stable internet connection.

A large amount of Nintendo Switch games also include features that require online but are optional.

These optional online features may benefit the player and include

• online game updates
• bug and glitch fix updates
• new paid or free game content

Game updates, new paid or free content, and glitch fixing updates all require a Nintendo Switch to be connected to internet to download.

Games such as Minecraft, Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, the Borderlands series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and the Pokemon series can all be played offline but include online focused modes that have depth.

Popular Nintendo Switch Games That Include Internet Focused Features

3) Games That Require Internet To Play

Nintendo Switch games that require internet to play need either wireless or a wired internet connection.

These games cannot be played offline and are usually multiplayer-focused titles that incorporates online into its gameplay.

For instance, Pokemon Unite is an online-only game with gameplay that is entirely focused on online multiplayer matchmaking.

Nintendo Switch games that require an internet connection to play include Pokemon Unite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League among others.

Popular Nintendo Switch Games That Require An Internet Connection

Is Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) Required To Play Nintendo Switch Games?

Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is not required to play most Nintendo Switch games. A majority of the Nintendo Switch library of games can be played offline without internet access.

Online-only games (such as Fortnite or Fall Guys) do require an internet connection as they are internet-only games.

A wireless or wired internet connection will be needed for these internet-only Nintendo Switch games.

Does Playing Nintendo Switch Online Cost Money? Is There A Fee?

It does cost a fee to play most Nintendo Switch games online. A monthly or annual Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play online-only games and games with online focused modes.

There are two types of Nintendo Switch Online memberships: individual and family.

Become a Nintendo Switch Online member and gain access to features for offline games, the ability to play online-only games, game updates, and more.

Nintendo Switch Online Membership Links

• View INDIVIDUAL 12-Month Nintendo Switch Online Membership on Amazon by clicking my affiliate link here.

• View FAMILY 12-Month Nintendo Switch Online Membership on Amazon by clicking my affiliate link here.

A Few Fun Nintendo Switch Games That Don’t Require Internet To Play

An internet connection isn’t required to play most Nintendo Switch games, including some of my personal favorites.

Checkout a couple of my favorite Nintendo Switch games that can be played offline from the start to the end credits.

Fae Farm

I recommend Fae Farm to anyone who enjoys farming and life simulation games such as Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and the Harvest Moon series.

What Is Fae Farm About?

Fae Farm focuses on gathering supplies and building a farm, developing platonic and romantic relationships with neighbors, and exploring the whimsical storybook world.

Can Fae Farm Be Played Completely Offline?

Fae Farm can be played from start to finish offline and doesn’t require an internet connection. Internet is required for game updates, though.

How To Get Fae Farm On Nintendo Switch

View Fae Farm’s (Nintendo Switch) current price and product page on Amazon by using my affiliate link by clicking here.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

I suggest Super Mario Bros. Wonder to anyone who enjoys previous Super Mario games, the Rayman series, or Sonic the Hedgehog style gameplay.

Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder Good For New Players?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is great for beginners to experienced players as well as for individual or multiple people playing on a single Nintendo Switch system at one time.

Can You Play Super Mario Bros. Wonder Offline?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder can be played from start to finish offline without connection to the internet. Internet is required to play with others online.

How To Get Super Mario Bros. Wonder

View Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s (Nintendo Switch) current price and product page on Amazon by using my affiliate link by clicking here.

More Great Nintendo Tutorials To Enjoy!

I hope I helped you to better understand how internet connections work with the Nintendo Switch family of consoles.

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Images credited. All others owned by Nintendo or respective owners. Screenshots taken by me.