System link multiplayer games predate the advent of online multiplayer and offer something of a compromise between that and local modes. Two or more consoles/PCs are connected to each other via an Ethernet cable to create a miniature network. Games that support system link play are then played over the network enabling multiple players.

Although this invovles more effort and organisation it does have the added excitment of hearing and seeing your opponents acorss the room and is a very different dynamic.

Fewer new games support this mode, and more often only one player on each console is support which can make it a little prohibitive. Recent titles to support split screen system link include Halo 3, Call of Duty 3, Ghost Recon War Fighter 1 and 2. There are also a clutch of sports games that support the system link multiplayer mode.

Wifi link multiplayer games are the equivalent of a system link for hand held consoles. Unlike the system link though, no additional equipment is required. Wi-Fi link games enable players to compete or co-operate against others in range with their own hand held console. Some games (mostly on the DS) provide a single cart share mode where only one player needs the game, and others can download it temporarily to their console. Games that don't support this mode require each player to have their own copy of the game.

Additionally, some handheld games enable players to compete over the internet, much like the online multiplayer mode described above. Strong experiences of this type include Mario Kart DS, Tetris DS, Smash Court Tennis PSP.

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