Gina Johnson
The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console that can be used in handheld mode or docked to a TV. One common question that Switch owners have is whether the console uses network connectivity while it is in sleep mode. Some users have reported that their Switch loses its Wi-Fi connection when put into sleep mode, while others have found that their games continue to download or update during this time. Nintendo has provided official troubleshooting steps for Switch owners experiencing connection issues in sleep mode, including checking for system updates, updating dock firmware, and moving the console closer to the wireless router. Additionally, Nintendo Support states that for the Nintendo Switch – OLED model in Europe, the Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode setting is disabled by default, but this setting can be enabled to keep the console connected to the internet via a wired connection even while sleeping.
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What You'll Learn
Wired connection in sleep mode
The Nintendo Switch console is designed to lose its network connection when it enters sleep mode. This can be frustrating for players of online games that require a constant connection, such as NBA 2K18, as they may lose progress upon disconnection. However, some users have reported that their Switch remains connected to the internet in sleep mode while docked, allowing them to download games and updates.
To address this issue, Nintendo has introduced a "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting for the Nintendo Switch – OLED model. When enabled, this setting allows consoles using a wired internet connection to stay connected to the internet even in sleep mode, enabling the download of software and DLC. This setting is disabled by default for consoles with regional settings in Europe.
It is important to note that enabling the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting will increase the console's power consumption. Additionally, users have reported that connecting the Switch to an Ethernet adapter can cause the console to warm up in the dock, potentially impacting the battery's health.
To enable or disable the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting, follow these steps:
- Go to System Settings.
- Select Sleep Mode.
- Enable or disable the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting according to your preference.
By adjusting this setting, users can customize their Nintendo Switch experience, balancing the need for a constant internet connection with power consumption and device temperature considerations.
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Nintendo Switch Online membership
Nintendo Switch consoles will remain connected to the internet while in sleep mode if the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting is enabled. This setting is disabled by default for consoles with a European regional setting. When enabled, the console will stay connected to the internet in sleep mode, allowing for software and DLC to be downloaded. Disabling this setting will cause the console to operate in intermittent booting mode, a power-saving mode that allows the console to periodically connect to the internet when in sleep mode.
Now, let's discuss the Nintendo Switch Online membership:
Benefits of a Nintendo Switch Online Membership
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, users can access various features and benefits. These include:
- The ability to play compatible Nintendo Switch games online with friends and family.
- Access to a curated library of classic games, including Nintendo GameCube games (for Nintendo Switch 2 owners).
- Exclusive deals and discounts on new and digital games.
- Online functionality added to specific games, enabling competition and cooperation with other players.
- Access to the Nintendo Music app, which allows streaming and downloading of music from Nintendo's library of soundtracks.
- Save data cloud backup for compatible games, making it easy to retrieve game data if the system is lost or replaced.
- Special offers from Nintendo for members in the US and Canada.
- Access to the GameChat feature on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Nintendo offers different plans for its online service:
- Individual Membership: This plan is for a single user and provides access to all the features mentioned above.
- Family Membership: The Family Membership allows up to eight people to enjoy the benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for a discounted price of approximately $10 per person per year.
Nintendo also offers a free 7-day trial for users who want to try out the service before purchasing a membership.
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Extending battery life
The Nintendo Switch's battery life in handheld mode is not as impressive as its competitors. The original Switch model averaged 2.5 to 6.5 hours of portable playtime, while the updated version can last between 4.5 to nine hours. The Switch Lite promises between three and seven hours of playtime. Here are some tips to extend the battery life of your Nintendo Switch:
Lower Screen Brightness
Lowering the screen brightness can help extend the battery life of your Switch. You can access this setting by long-pressing the "Home" button on the right Joycon controller while in-game or from the main system UI. Lower the brightness as much as possible while still being able to see the gameplay on the screen.
Enable Airplane Mode
If you are not playing online multiplayer or downloading software, enabling Airplane mode can help extend battery life by disabling wireless communication and internet features. This can be done by long-pressing the "Home" button on the right Joycon controller. Please note that this will also disable the use of Bluetooth accessories and detached Joycon controllers on the larger Switch model.
Adjust Auto-Sleep Settings
The Switch has an auto-sleep feature that can be adjusted to save battery life. You can set the console to automatically go to sleep after a certain amount of time in handheld mode, with options ranging from one minute to 30 minutes, or you can disable auto-sleep entirely. The lower the auto-sleep time, the more battery life you will save.
Disable "Wake When AC Adapter is Disconnected"
Disabling the "Wake When AC Adapter is Disconnected" setting will prevent accidental wake-ups when the device is knocked out of the dock or accidentally disconnected from the charging cable. This means you will need to press the power button to wake up your Switch when you take it off the charger, but it will help conserve battery life.
Use Dark Theme Interface
Using the Switch's dark theme interface can also help extend battery life, although the difference may not be significant. You can enable the dark theme by going to System Settings > Themes.
Turn Off Controller Vibrations
Disabling controller vibrations can add a little boost to your battery time. To turn off controller vibrations, go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors and set Controller Vibration to "Off".
Use Licensed Portable Chargers
Using licensed portable chargers, such as the Anker PowerCore 13400 or 20100, can provide up to 10 or 15 hours of extra playtime, respectively. These chargers are optimized for ideal Switch compatibility and can simultaneously charge the Switch and another mobile device.
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Wireless signal interference
The Nintendo Switch console is reported to lose its Wi-Fi connection when it is put into sleep mode. However, some users have reported that their games have been updated while the console was in sleep mode, indicating that the console may have reconnected to the Wi-Fi during that time. Nintendo has stated that if the regional setting of the Nintendo Switch – OLED model is set to Europe, the “Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode” setting is disabled by default. When this setting is enabled, consoles using a wired internet connection will stay connected to the internet even while in sleep mode.
To verify if you are experiencing Wi-Fi interference, you can use a signal-checking tool on a smartphone or laptop to find weak zones and dead spots in your network. By identifying the sources of interference, you can then take steps to reduce it, such as relocating or removing devices, or changing the wireless channel.
To further reduce wireless signal interference, you can also consider using a different wireless band on your router, such as switching between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It is important to note that Bluetooth devices only use the 2.4 GHz transmission bandwidth, so using the 5GHz band may help reduce interference from Bluetooth devices. Additionally, you can use software or tools that can visually map signal strengths to identify areas of interference and improve your network setup.
In conclusion, wireless signal interference can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical objects, conductive materials, electronic devices, and competing wireless signals. By using the right tools and making adjustments to your network setup, you can reduce interference and improve your wireless connection.
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Sleep mode settings
The Nintendo Switch has various auto-sleep settings that allow you to preserve your battery life. To access the sleep mode settings, go to Home > System Settings, then scroll down and select Sleep Mode.
The Sleep Mode settings allow you to customize your Switch sleep functions. For example, you can set your Nintendo Switch to go to sleep automatically after a certain period of inactivity. When playing with your Switch using the handheld mode, auto-sleep will turn on after either 1, 3, 5, 10, or 30 minutes. When playing on the TV screen, you can set auto-sleep to 1, 2, 3, 6, or 12 hours. You can also choose the 'Never' option, which will keep your Switch on until you turn it off. However, this option is not recommended for conserving battery life.
Additionally, if you have a Nintendo Switch with a wired internet connection, you can enable the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting. This setting allows your console to stay connected to the internet and download software and DLC while in sleep mode. However, it will increase power consumption. When this setting is disabled, the console will operate in intermittent booting mode, periodically connecting to the internet while in sleep mode to save power.
It is important to note that some users have reported issues with the Nintendo Switch losing its internet connection when in sleep mode, even when the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting is enabled. To troubleshoot this issue, Nintendo recommends ensuring that your console is connected to the latest system update, updating the firmware for any docks you are using, power cycling your home network, and moving your console closer to your wireless router.
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Frequently asked questions
By default, the Nintendo Switch disconnects from the internet when it is in sleep mode. However, if you have a wired connection, you can enable the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting to stay connected to the internet.
To enable the "Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode" setting, go to System Settings > Sleep Mode and enable or disable the setting.
Ensure that your Nintendo Switch console is charged and up to date. Move the console closer to the wireless router, and remove any metal objects or electronic devices that may interfere with the wireless signal.
Some users have reported that they have been able to download games while their Nintendo Switch is in sleep mode, but this may depend on your internet connection and setup.
Yes, you can play games on your Nintendo Switch while it's offline. However, you must have an active membership and verify your membership every seven days by connecting online.
