Enlarge / Hori’s licensed USB-to-ethernet adapter for the Nintendo Switch will allow docked consoles to connect directly with each other via LAN, no Internet connection required.

With less than a month until the Nintendo Switch is set to hit stores, we’re still getting news about the system’s full capabilities in dribs and drabs from both official and unofficial sources. This weekend, the announcement of a Splatoon 2 “Global Testfire” beta test event in March contained the stealth announcement of a wired LAN mode for the system.

From the press release (emphasis added):

In addition to this, a new feature called LAN Play will be added to Splatoon 2, allowing up to 10 docked systems—eight players and two spectators—to connect via wired LAN. This feature allows players to create local Private Battle tournaments without the need for an Internet connection. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with your fellow players.

The wired LAN feature might be somewhat surprising, since the Nintendo Switch doesn’t sport a standard Ethernet port on its TV-connected dock (unlike the Xbox One and PS4, which both have Ethernet ports that allow for easy LAN connections). Instead, it seems you’ll need a separate USB-to-Ethernet adapter for every system you want to connect via a wired connection—this officially licensed option from accessory maker Hori retails for $30, but others will likely work just as well.