Unable to connect using Local Communication on Nintendo Switch 2

This article can help when:

• You're attempting to play a multiplayer game using Local Communication and the consoles are unable to communicate with each other.

• You're attempting the transfer Save Data and the source and target console are unable to communicate with each other.

What to do

How are you trying to use local communication?

• Multiplayer game

  1. Ensure each user has their own profile with a unique Nintendo Account.

  2. Check that both consoles have the latest system update.

     • How to check for the latest system update

       1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.

       2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.

       3. Select System Update to start the system update process.

          • The system will check to see if an update is available.

       For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

  3. Check for any available software updates for the game on both consoles.

     • How to update game software

       1. Ensure the console is connected to the Internet.

       2. From the HOME Menu, select (but do not start) the icon for the software you wish to update.

       3. Press the + Button or – Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Over the Internet (Nintendo Switch 2) or Via the Internet (Nintendo Switch).

       For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch.

  4. Confirm that both consoles can connect to the internet.

     • How to connect a Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network

       1. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.

       2. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.

       3. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings . Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals.

       4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.

       5. Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required.

       6. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.

          • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.

       For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2

     • You may notice the console(s) disconnect from the internet while using local communication, but issues connecting to the internet could result in also having issues when using local communication.

  5. Attempt to connect locally again within the game.

  6. If the issues persists, try connecting locally using a different software.

     • Super Kirby Clash is a free to download game that can connect using Local Communication if another software is needed.

  • Different software successfully connected using local communication

    The issue is likely with the original software used and it may need specific troubleshooting to determine the issue.

  • Still unable to connect using local communication

    The console is failing to connect locally. Try connecting through online multiplayer for online gameplay.If you would like further assistance with the console, please contact us for additional support.

• Save data transfer

  1. Check that both consoles have the latest system update.

     • How to check for the latest system update

       1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.

       2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.

       3. Select System Update to start the system update process.

          • The system will check to see if an update is available.

       For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

  2. Confirm that both consoles can connect to the internet.

     • How to connect a Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network

       1. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.

       2. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.

       3. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals.

       4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.

       5. Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required.

       6. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.

          • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.

       For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2

     • You may notice the console(s) disconnect from the internet while using local communication, but issues connecting to the internet could result in also having issues when using local communication.

  3. Attempt the save data transfer again.

  • Save data transfer still fails

    The console failing to connect locally may need to be repaired. This will be the console that either failed to update or connect to internet wirelessly. If it cannot be determined which console is failing to connect to Local Communication, both consoles may need to be sent in for repair.If you would like further assistance with the Nintendo Switch console, please contact us for additional support.