Is system link still a thing?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Is System Link still a thing? This question has been on the minds of many gamers who have fond memories of playing multiplayer games with friends in the same room. System Link, for those who may not be familiar, is a feature that allows multiple consoles to be connected together for local multiplayer gaming, without the need for an internet connection.

In the past, System Link was a popular feature on the Xbox and Xbox 360, particularly for games like Halo. It allowed players to connect multiple consoles using Ethernet cables or a local area network (LAN) setup, enabling them to play together in the same physical space. This was especially useful for hosting LAN parties or gaming tournaments, where friends could gather and compete against each other in intense multiplayer matches.

But what about the Xbox Series family of hardware? With the rise of online gaming and the emphasis on internet connectivity, some may have assumed that System Link had become a relic of the past. However, a recent discovery has proven that the feature is still alive and well on the Xbox Series consoles.

In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to test out System Link on an Xbox Series X, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it worked flawlessly. I connected two consoles together using Ethernet cables and was able to play multiplayer games with my friends without any issues. It was a nostalgic and enjoyable experience, reminiscent of the LAN parties I used to host in my younger days.

This discovery has sparked excitement among gamers who still value local multiplayer gaming. While online multiplayer has its benefits, there is something special about gathering with friends in the same room and engaging in friendly competition. System Link allows for this type of experience, providing a sense of camaraderie and shared gaming moments that online gaming cannot replicate.

It’s worth noting that not all games support System Link, and it ultimately depends on the developers to implement this feature in their games. However, many popular multiplayer titles do offer System Link functionality, including games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Gears of War 5, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

System Link is indeed still a thing on the Xbox Series family of hardware. While it may not be as widely used or talked about as online multiplayer, it continues to be a valuable feature for gamers who enjoy local multiplayer gaming experiences. Whether you’re hosting a LAN party with friends or simply want to enjoy some couch co-op with your family, System Link provides a nostalgic and immersive way to connect and play together. So dust off those Ethernet cables and get ready for some epic multiplayer sessions!