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Switch online play isn't going dark.

HorizonLink is an alternative to the official online services: your own account, friends, presence and matchmaking, on Ryujinx, Citron or a Switch with CFW.

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… players online right now

What's new

Online games

All servers

Progress

How much of each game's online play works today.

    HorizonLink is a second home for Switch online play: an independent network that keeps your games connected, free and ad-free, run by and for the community.

      Your game talks to our servers just like it talked to Nintendo’s.

      1. Your gameRyujinx, Citron or a Switch with CFW. The game itself is not modified.
      2. Your HorizonLink accountIt stands in for the Nintendo account: identity, friends and a signed token.
      3. The matchOur servers find your opponents, then the match runs directly between players.

      Your friends, everywhere

      One username, one permanent friend code and a single friend list for all your games. See who is playing what, and join in.

      Free, for real

      A volunteer project. No subscription, no ads.

      Your data stays yours

      Only what the service needs to run. No tracking, no selling.

      Where to find HorizonLink

      All downloads

      Online in four steps

      On an emulator or a real Switch with CFW. Your HorizonLink account is the key, and everything is reversible.

      1. Create your HorizonLink accountFree, in three fields. You get a permanent username and friend code right away.Create my account
      2. Get Ryujinx or Citron HorizonLinkThe emulator builds set up for the network. On a Switch with CFW, turn on the HorizonLink profile instead.Downloads
      3. Sign in to HorizonLinkIn Ryujinx: Actions, then HorizonLink sign-in, then type your e-mail and password.
      4. Play onlineLaunch Mario Kart 8, Splatoon or Smash Ultimate, open the online menu and meet the community.

      Network status

      Updating…

      … players connected

        Meet the Team

        HorizonLink runs on volunteer work. These are the people keeping it online.

        Frequently asked questions

        Is HorizonLink affiliated with Nintendo?

        No. HorizonLink is an independent community project, with no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement from Nintendo Co., Ltd.

        Do I have to provide games?

        HorizonLink doesn't distribute games, ROMs or keys. It only provides network services: you stay responsible for your own copies.

        Which emulators are supported?

        Ryujinx HorizonLink and Citron HorizonLink, plus a real Switch running custom firmware. More may follow as the community contributes.

        What do you do with my data?

        Only what the service needs to run. No tracking, no selling. The code is open, so you can check it.

        How can I contribute?

        Code, translations, compatibility testing or moderation: everything helps. Join the repository and the community server to start.

        Ready to reconnect your Switch?

        Follow the development, join the community and start your first online match.

        Create my account Sign in