The Nintendo Switch uses local wireless communication for nearby multiplayer connections.
This feature lets compatible consoles communicate directly over a local wireless network without requiring every player to connect through the internet. Depending on the game, players can use separate Switch systems, local multiplayer modes, or wireless play between nearby consoles.
Local wireless is different from playing on one console. A game may support multiple players on a single Switch, local wireless play across several Switch systems, online multiplayer, or some combination of those modes. The exact player count and requirements are determined by each title.
The term is also distinct from Nintendo’s older StreetPass and SpotPass services, which were associated with Nintendo 3DS. It should not be confused with Bluetooth, which the Switch uses for some accessories but is not the general name for its nearby multiplayer feature.