When I got my Nintendo Switch I connected it to the internet via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
While playing games online I constantly experienced connectivity issues, which made me question whether 2.4GHz Wi-Fi was the best internet connection I could use with my Switch.
I jumped on Google to do some research, and to no surprise learned that the Nintendo Switch’s poor connection, when used with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, was a problem many Switch owners were experiencing.
I did more research to find out how I could get a good internet connection that would allow me to seamlessly use my Nintendo Switch online.
I found that the best way to wirelessly connect my Switch to the internet was via 5GHz Wi-Fi.
So, to answer your question…..
Can the Nintendo Switch connect to 5GHz Wi-FI? Yes, the Nintendo Switch systems support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. However, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi doesn’t always work well with the Nintendo Switch particularly if you live in a house or area with a busy Wi-Fi spectrum. Most Switch gamers who have switched to 5GHz Wi-Fi say there is a night and day difference in their Nintendo Switch Online experience. The key reason why there is a big change between the two Wi-Fi frequencies is because not many people know about or use 5GHz Wi-Fi. So, it is a less congested network that offers fast and reliable internet.
Now that you know that you can connect your Nintendo Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi, read on for a detailed guide on how to do that.
5GHz is better than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
For a long time, most Wi-Fi devices used the 2.4GHz frequency band.
Over time, however, 5GHz Wi-Fi was introduced to provide faster internet connection speeds and allow you to accommodate more devices on your router.
The two Wi-Fi frequency bands have several differences which affect how your Nintendo Switch connects to the internet.
Here are a few of them:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can penetrate solid objects like the walls of your home meaning its signal can cover a large area. 5GHz Wi-Fi is not strong enough to do this, so it is only able to cover small areas.
- 5GHz makes up for its short network coverage range by offering faster speeds than 2.4Ghz. A higher Wi-Fi frequency in most cases means you get a shorter signal range but faster data transmission. 5GHz Wi-Fi can give you speeds of up to 1300 Mbps, while 2.4GHz Wi-Fi provides between 450 and 600 Mbps
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is prone to network interference from household appliances like microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth speakers, etc. It is also affected by your mobile phone’s network and even your neighbors’ Wi-Fi. 5GHZ Wi-Fi is less susceptible to interference.
- 2GHz is ideal for checking your Email, instant messaging, and web browsing. Due to its faster speeds, and minimal interference 5GHz is perfect for streaming videos and playing video games.
From the info above it is clear that it is better to use 5GHz Wi-Fi with your Nintendo Switch.
The network will give you faster and less interrupted internet so you can quickly download Nintendo eShop games you purchase, enjoy low latency gaming, and a lot more benefits.
Because of 5GHz Wi-Fi small area coverage try to be at most three meters (10ft) away from the router to get the best internet connection on your Nintendo Switch.
How to connect your Nintendo Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi
Most Wi-Fi routers have the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
If yours doesn’t, consider purchasing a dual or even tri-band wireless router like the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router.
Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a 5GHz network is very easy.
To do so ensure you’re close to your wireless router to get a strong wireless signal then follow these steps:
1: On the Nintendo Switch Home Menu select System Settings, which has the icon that looks like a cogwheel.
2: On the next page, scroll down and click on Internet.
3: Move to the right side of the screen and select Internet Settings. The Nintendo Switch will automatically start searching for available networks to connect to. Once it completes the search you should be able to see your Wi-Fi router 2.4GHz and 5GHz signal.
If you can’t see your Wi-Fi’s 5GHz network move closer to your router, press the Y button on either of your Joy-Cons to search again.
If you’re still unable to find your 5GHz network you may have a single band wireless router which only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or you could be experiencing a Wi-Fi network signal problem.
4: Select the 5GHz network from the list.
5: If prompted, enter your Wi-Fi network password using the onscreen keyboard to connect to the 5GHz frequency band. Your Nintendo Switch will run an internet connection test. Once the test is done, click OK.
If the test fails a message with an error code will appear on your Switch’s screen. You can use this message to help you troubleshoot why you can’t connect to your router’s 5GHz network.
When you complete the steps above you’ll have successfully connected your Nintendo Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi.
You can then begin enjoying faster and reliable internet when playing your favorite Nintendo Switch game.
Conclusion
If 2.4GHz Wi-Fi works for you, that’s great you don’t have to change to 5GHz.
If your Nintendo Switch, however, always disconnects from the internet, experiences slow speeds or high latency, it’s time to move to 5GHz Wi-Fi.
From my experience and that of other Switch gamers I have talked to, 5GHz Wi-Fi will solve many of the internet connection issues you’re experiencing with your Nintendo Switch.
I recommend you get the ASUS ROG Rapture WiFi 6 Gaming Router if you don’t already have a dual-band wireless router.
This device will allow you to connect to 5GHZ Wi-Fi, which, again, I truly believe will provide you with the best Nintendo Switch Online gaming experience.
Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a 5GHz network is easy.
Simply go to System Settings on your console’s home screen, click on Internet, then Internet Settings to connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi.