PSA: You May Want to Keep This Nintendo Switch 2 Setting Disabled

Nintendo Switch 2 owners may want to be aware of a setting that prevents the console from fully entering sleep mode by maintaining a constant internet connection to search for updates and game download prompts. When this mode is enabled, the Switch 2 can remain hot in the dock even while in standby.

Like its predecessor, the Switch 2 has two built-in methods of accessing the internet: Wi-Fi and LAN. The latter is reserved for docked use and requires the user to plug a local area network cable into the console’s hub. LAN connections are typically more stable, offer lower latency, and deliver higher upload and download speeds at the expense of some inconvenience of having to add one extra cable to one’s console setup. Nintendo even implemented something akin to a Wake-on-LAN standard into the Switch 2, offering users the option of making the console check for pending downloads—such as system updates or games purchased from another device—in real time while docked.

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While convenient, the energy trade-offs of using this mode are something that Switch 2 owners may want to be aware of. This was recently demonstrated by Reddit user Toranorora, who pointed a HIKMICRO E02 thermal camera at their docked console and shared the findings online. According to their readings, the device remained at 98°F (36.67°C) long after entering standby mode, with the always-on internet connection subsequently identified as the cause. Although persistent LAN mode naturally consumes more power, Nintendo’s support pages list that as its only drawback, with no mention of the console running significantly hotter while sleeping.

Switch 2 Reportedly Runs Hotter than Switch OLED Model in Always-On LAN Mode

According to Game Rant’s testing, the console’s always-on wired internet mode is disabled by default. It is unclear whether this has been the case since last month’s launch, but as of this writing, performing a factory reset on a Switch 2 running the July 2025 (20.2.0) update will definitively have the device boot with the mode turned off. This aligns with Toranorora’s experience, as the user confirmed they had manually enabled the mode. However, they noted doing the same on their old Switch OLED Model and observed that it did not run nearly as hot while in sleep mode. They also confirmed that disabling the active wired connection fixed the temperature issue with the new console.

How To Disable Switch 2 Active Wired Connection in Sleep Mode

Nintendo Switch 2 System Settings Keep Wired Connection Active in Sleep Mode

Open Nintendo Switch 2 System Settings.
Scroll down to the Sleep Mode tab.
Uncheck the Keep Wired Connection Active in Sleep Mode toggle.

In general, the Switch 2 thermal readings reported by the user aren’t cause for concern; 98°F falls near the lower end of the console’s typical temperature range while running games docked and is unlikely to cause any damage, even in the long term. Still, Switch 2 LAN users who frequently leave their device in the dock may want to disable the always-on wired connection mode if they’re partial to the idea of giving the console an occasional break.

Given the reported discrepancy between the Switch 2 and OLED Model’s thermal readings while maintaining an active LAN connection, Nintendo may have room to improve the new console’s energy efficiency in this mode. Such optimizations could potentially be delivered through future software updates.