Splatoon 3 LAN Play: Same-Router Setup and Room Checklist

Check the equipment before assembling the group

Nintendo's guide specifically describes a wired LAN, not Wi-Fi local wireless. The Switch 2 wired connection requires the console to be docked. Do not assume that a room code converts an online lobby into LAN.

References: Nintendo Support: How to Use Splatoon 3 LAN Play

Create and join the LAN room

1. Wire every console to the same router; add an Ethernet switch if required and confirm each console reports a wired internet connection.
2. Start Splatoon 3 and open X Menu > The Shoal from Splatsville.
3. Inside The Shoal, hold ZL and ZR, then press and hold the Left Stick until the LAN preparation message appears.
4. Choose Private Battle or Salmon Run. Nintendo lists Private Battle for 2–8 players plus up to two spectators; Salmon Run is 2–4 players.
5. The host creates the room. Other players repeat the LAN entry sequence, select the host, and join; the host starts only after everyone readies up.
6. If preparation does not appear, check shared-router wiring and the button sequence first; do not change Internet-facing port-forwarding settings on the basis of this guide.

References: Nintendo Support: How to Use Splatoon 3 LAN Play · Nintendo Support: Splatoon 3 local and online multiplayer setup

Keep LAN separate from other multiplayer paths

Nintendo documents online, local wireless and LAN as separate methods. If players are in different homes, this same-router LAN recipe does not apply; use the Nintendo online room flow and verify that every client is on the same game version.

References: Nintendo Support: Splatoon 3 local and online multiplayer setup · Nintendo Support: How to Update Splatoon 3 · Splatoon player discussions on Reddit

Before you play

• Every console uses a wired link to the same router.
• The chosen mode's player count is within Nintendo's limit.
• All clients have the same update version.
• No router port-forwarding or account change was made without an official reason.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & revision notes

Editorial revision: November 7, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.

1. Nintendo Support: How to Use Splatoon 3 LAN Play (Official)

   Nintendo specifies wired consoles connected to a shared router, compatible dock/adapter requirements and separate Private Battle/Salmon Run caps. This guide does not test a network or establish online matchmaking behavior.

2. Nintendo Support: Splatoon 3 local and online multiplayer setup (Official)

   Nintendo's live support matrix lists player-count, mode and connection combinations and states that split-screen is unavailable. Platform names and menu paths can vary by system update and region; verify the current support page before arranging a group.

3. Nintendo Support: How to Update Splatoon 3 (Official)

   The checked support page lists version 11.3.0 (20 August 2026), says online play requires the update and all players need the same version. Replay compatibility has its own version boundary; re-check the page for later patches.

4. Splatoon player discussions on Reddit (Community)

   External user-generated discussion, not Nintendo support or GamerWin testing. Match the console, region, mode and exact version; do not post account credentials or private friend codes publicly.