How to Connect Multiple Xboxes Using System Link

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Create a wired or wireless System Link on any Xbox
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These days, most Xbox players use Xbox Live to play with people around the world—but what if you want to link up in person? Luckily, thanks to Microsoft’s System Link feature, it’s easy to set up your own local area network (LAN) to play together. We’re here to answer all of your questions about setting up a wired or wireless System Link (plus the pros and cons of each).

Setting up a System Link between 2 Xbox Consoles

Turn off both Xbox consoles, then plug an Ethernet or crossover cable into the Ethernet port on each device. Load the exact same version of a System Link-enabled game into each Xbox. Turn on the consoles, then follow the System Link instructions under the Multiplayer menu to get started.

Section 1 of 4:

Wired Connection for 2-16 Consoles

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  1. Turn off the consoles. Then, locate the Ethernet port on your Xbox and push one end of the cable into the port until it clicks in place. [1]
    • Where are the Ethernet ports on an Xbox? On the original Xbox, the Ethernet port is next to the A/V port. On Xbox 360, Xbox 360 E, and Xbox 360 S, the Ethernet port is below the AUX port.
    • Should I use an Ethernet cable or a crossover cable for a System Link? If you’re connecting two first-gen Xbox consoles directly to each other (not through a network device like a router), use an Ethernet crossover cable. Otherwise, it should work with a standard system link cable (Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cable).
    • Do I need more than one cable for a System Link? If you’re connecting two Xbox consoles directly to each other, you only need one cable. If you’re connecting the consoles via a network device (like if you’re connecting more than two consoles or different generations of Xbox), you’ll need one cable for each Xbox.
  2. 2
    Connect the cables to your network hub, switch, or router if you’re using one. If you want to connect more than two consoles, you’ll need an Ethernet hub, switch, or router with enough ports to accommodate the number of consoles in use. Connect the free end of each cable to a port in your network device. [2] Don’t skip any of the ports—it may prevent the consoles from connecting via System Link.
    • Do I need to use a switch, hub, or router for a System Link? If you’re creating a System Link between two Xbox consoles, you don’t really need to use a network device—you can just connect the consoles directly to each other.
    • How many consoles can I connect? That really depends on the System Link settings for the game you want to play. Some Xbox games can support up to 16 connections via System Link.
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  3. System Link isn’t the same as split-screen—the players don’t share a screen. You’ll need a separate TV or monitor for every Xbox in the System Link. [3]
    • Can I play split-screen and System Link at the same time? Some games do allow you to play 2v2 matches, with two players sharing split-screen on one console and two players sharing split screen on another.
  4. If you’re using a network device, turn that on first, then the consoles. Be sure you've each inserted your game discs to the consoles. You'll find system link instructions associated with your specific game, so follow those, and you're on your way. [4]
    • Does everyone need a copy of the game? In order to play System Link, every player will need a copy of the same game. The copies must be identical, including any updates, downloadable content (DLC), missions, and unlocked maps. If you’re trying to System Link with an Xbox One, that console will need a digital copy of the game.
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Section 2 of 4:

Wireless Connection (2-4 Consoles)

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  1. To System Link an original Xbox 360, plug an Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter into the back of the console. If you have an Xbox 360 S or Xbox 360 E, you don’t need an adapter—these consoles have built-in wireless capabilities. [5]
    • Do I need an Internet connection to use wireless System Link? No, creating a temporary console-to-console System Link connection does not require an internet connection.
    • Do I need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to use wireless System Link? No, you do not need Xbox Live Gold to use System Link.
    • Can I wirelessly connect a first-gen Xbox to System Link? Maybe—you’ll need Xbox Wireless Adapter MN-740 and a wireless access point that supports WPA encryption. [6]
    • Can I combine wired and wireless connections with System Link? No, there's no way to combine wired and wireless connections for the same system link..
  2. This will be the console you use to establish the connection. Click “Scan for Networks,” then “Create Ad-Hoc Network.” Enter a name for the new wireless network and click Done. Finally, exit System Settings. [7]
    • If you’re using an older version of Dashboard: Go to “Basic Settings,” then “Configure Network,” then “Wireless Mode.” Click "Scan for Networks," then "Create Ad-Hoc Network."
  3. 3
    Have each console join the network you just created. On each console, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Network Settings” > “Scan for Network.” The ad-hoc network you just created should appear. Have each player join that network. [8]
  4. You'll typically find System Link instructions under the Multiplayer settings in your game. Follow those instructions to get everyone playing at the same time! [9]
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Section 3 of 4:

Pros and Cons of Wireless vs. Wired

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  1. 1
    Benefits Wireless connections are beneficial if you need to locate your consoles and televisions/monitors in different rooms due to limited space. It’s also helpful if you don’t have Ethernet cables on hand.
  2. 2
    Drawbacks You can only connect a maximum of four consoles via a wireless System Link connection. Also, wireless connections tend to be less stable than wired ones, so players may occasionally get disconnected while playing.
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Section 4 of 4:

Can I System Link different Xbox generations?

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  1. Yes, as long as the game you’re playing is backward compatible. Xbox has released a lot of their old games in backward-compatible versions, meaning you can play some first-gen Xbox games all the way up to Xbox One. If you have a backward-compatible game, you can play it on different gen consoles via System Link.
    • Can I System Link Xbox One or Series S and X with older consoles? Yes, Microsoft still provides the capability to System Link newer consoles like the Xbox One, Series S, and Series X with older consoles like the first-gen Xbox and Xbox 360. [10]

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  • Question
    Can you use an old router as a hub?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use an old router—though a newer model may perform better. You can also use a network hub or switch. Note that you do not need to use a router, network hub or switch if you're connecting only two consoles or connect between two and four consoles wirelessly.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      2. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      3. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      4. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      5. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      6. ↑ https://gametyrant.com/news/og-xbox-wireless-adapter-retro-review
      7. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      8. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      9. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/connect-system-link-play
      1. ↑ https://www.vg247.com/xbox-system-link-xbox-series-s-x

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