5 Best Nintendo Switch VPN in 2023 (Easy Set-Up Guide)

The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s best-selling console, but like any other console, it can face online gaming issues such as crowded servers, lag, and connection drops. 

Using a Virtual Private Network for Nintendo Switch can help avoid these issues and offer additional advantages. We have all the information you need to pick a Nintendo Switch VPN service and set it up.

After extensive testing, our conclusion: NordVPN is the best Nintendo Switch VPN.

It’s worth considering using a VPN on Nintendo Switch to improve your gaming experience. By connecting to a VPN server, you can reduce lag, avoid crowded servers, and even access region-restricted content.

Best Nintendo Switch VPN – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Nintendo Switch console.
2. Surfshark – Sophisticated Nintendo Switch VPN with plenty of advanced features.
3. AtlasVPN – Impressive all-around VPN with a free version.
4. PrivateVPN – An excellent pick for casual gamers.
5. ExpressVPN – Reliable VPN with robust digital security.

Why Use a VPN With Nintendo Switch?

Using a Nintendo Switch VPN can improve your gaming experience. Here are some reasons why you should use a VPN for Nintendo Switch:

• Protect from DDoS attacks: A VPN protects you from DDoS attacks and Swatting. These attacks can cause your internet connection to slow down or even shut down, making it impossible to play online games. A VPN makes it harder for attackers to target you.
• Play at lightning speed and reduce lag: When playing online multiplayer games, lag can be a frustrating issue. A VPN on Nintendo Switch can help reduce lag by connecting you to a server closer to the game server. This can also result in faster connection speeds.
• Avoid bandwidth throttling: Some ISPs throttle internet speeds for certain activities, such as streaming or gaming. A VPN can help bypass this by encrypting your traffic, making it impossible for ISPs to detect what you’re doing online.
• Access any region in the world: With a VPN, you can connect to servers in different regions around the world. This can be useful if you want to access games or content that are restricted to certain regions.
• Mask your real IP: A VPN server can hide your real IP address, making it harder for anyone to track your online activity. This can help protect your privacy and security online.

Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch in 2023 – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

Finding the right VPN for your Nintendo Switch can enhance your gaming experience. Look no further. NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Nintendo Switch as it is tailored for gamers.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN provides robust protection with AES-256 encryption. Their no-logging policy and Panama’s jurisdiction keep your data safe. Additionally, the kill switch feature prevents IP leaks if the VPN connection drops. Notably for gamers, a VPN can bypass IP bans on any game server.

Performance and Speed: With NordVPN, you have stable and fast connections. A download speed at 248.7 Mbps and an upload speed at 126.7 Mbps US servers ensure low latency for gaming. This helps avoid buffering and slow loading times, improving your overall gaming experience.

Servers and Apps: NordVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. It supports OpenVPN, NordLynx, or IKEv2 protocols. It works reliably with the Nintendo Switch if set up on a router. NordVPN has a wide network of servers globally to lower ping times.

Features: Apart from gaming, NordVPN is perfect for streaming & P2P. It unblocks popular streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Specialized P2P servers ensure fast downloads.

Pricing: Plans start from $4.99/month to even cheaper ones, so you get the best value for money. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Plan	1-year plan	1-month plan	2-year plan
Standard Plan	$4.99/month	$12.99/month	–
Plus Plan	$5.99/month	$13.99/month	–
Complete Plan	$6.99/month	$14.99/month	$5.49/month

2. Surfshark

Surfshark holds its ground as a reliable Nintendo Switch VPN. It offers an easy set-up guide, optimal performance, and affordability.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark prioritizes user privacy and security. Key features include:

• No logs policy: Your data isn’t stored.
• Private DNS on each server: Prevents DNS leaks.
• IP Masking: Great for bypassing IP-based bans in games.
• Automatic Kill Switch: Protects data when the connection drops.
• AES-256-GCM encryption: Industry-leading encryption method.
• Secure protocols: Offers OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard.

Performance and Speed: Surfshark has impressive speeds of 235 Mbps download, and 219 Mbps upload in the US. With such speeds, you have low latency and stable connections to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.

Servers and Apps: Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. While the Nintendo Switch doesn’t directly support VPN apps, Surfshark can be easily set up on routers.

Features: Besides gaming, Surfshark is excellent for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It supports P2P/torrenting on optimized servers, making it versatile for different needs.

Pricing: Surfshark offers affordable plans. The Surfshark Starter is as low as $2.30/month for a 2-year plan. For broader safeguards, Surfshark One starts at $3.22/month for the 2-year plan. All packages include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Plans	2-year price	1-year price	1-month price
Starter	$2.30/month	$3.99/month	$12.95/month
Surfshark One	$3.22/month	$4.49/month	$17.95/month
Surfshark One+	$5.99/month	$8.29/month	$22.95/month

3. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a balanced VPN for Nintendo Switch. It can secure your data and improve your gaming experience for an affordable price. It also offers a free version fro those who want to try.

Privacy and Security: AtlasVPN delivers top-notch privacy and security. It ensures a stable online gaming experience with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. It also can block ads, malware, and trackers.

Performance and Speed: AtlasVPN can reach a download speed of 183 Mbps and an upload speed of 309 Mbps. This is crucial to ensure low ping times and latency on your Nintendo Switch.

Servers and Apps: AtlasVPN has apps for various platforms. This includes Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux, making it significantly versatile. It has enough servers to make sure you always connect to the closest game server or bypass an IP ban.

Features: AtlasVPN doesn’t just stop at gaming. It can unblock 11 different Netflix libraries and other streaming platforms. Also, the 2FA feature adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Pricing: AtlasVPN is quite affordable. The packages range from $1.82/month to $11.99/month. More so, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free version with access to 3 locations and a 5 GB data limit.

AtlasVPN Plans	Pricing	Additional Benefits
Free Version	0.00$/month	5 GB data limit Access to 3 locations
1-Month Plan	11.99$/month	30-day money-back guarantee
1-Year Plan	3.29$/month Billed $39.48 annually	30-day money-back guarantee
2-Year Plan	1.82$/month Billed $43.68 biennially	30-day money-back guarantee

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN offers gamers the perfect solution for secure, low-latency gaming. It’s great for Nintendo Switch users who wish to keep their online privacy while enjoying unrestricted gaming.

Privacy and Security: PrivateVPN has a no-logs policy and Stealth VPN mode, which masks VPN traffic as a regular. It provides strong security with AES 256-bit encryption and customizable encryption levels. Other features include:

• Reliable kill switch
• Protection against IP and IPv6 leaks
• Secure HTTP and SOCKS5 proxy

Performance and Speed: With a download speed of 148 Mbps PrivateVPN ensures a speedy connection for online gaming. However, high latency times reported only in some locations might affect game performance.

Servers and Apps: PrivateVPN can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. While it lacks a browser extension or standalone app for Linux, it supports manual OpenVPN setup. Other specific servers include dedicated IP and P2P servers.

Features: Aside from gaming, PrivateVPN unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. It allows up to 10 concurrent VPN connections for different devices.

Pricing: At a competitive rate of $2.00 per month for the 36-month plan, PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Payment options range from credit cards to PayPal and cryptocurrencies. A potential 5% handling fee applies to PayPal transactions.

PrivateVPN Plans	Price per Month
1-Month Plan	$9.90
3-Month Plan	$6.00
36-Month Plan	$2.00

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers gamers a secure, robust solution for their Nintendo Switch. It is a premium VPN with security features and great speeds for gaming. However, the price is quite steep compared to other services.

Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN is excellent in preserving user privacy with its no-logs policy. It has been independently audited by PwC and Cure53, affirming their strong security. Its primary privacy features include:

• Strict no-logs policy
• Private DNS on every server
• Stealth servers
• Trusted Server technology with RAM servers

Performance and Speed: Consistent high speeds using Lightway protocol make ExpressVPN a perfect choice for gamers. With a download speed of 137 Mbps, ExpressVPN ensures minimal lag.

Servers and Apps: ExpressVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. It works excellently on Nintendo Switch and other gaming consoles via a router setup.

Features: Support for streaming and torrenting broadens the functionality of ExpressVPN. It unblocks platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. P2P is allowed on ExpressVPN’s servers, providing versatility for downloads.

Pricing: ExpressVPN offers varied pricing from $12.95/month on a 1-month plan to $6.67/month on a 1-year plan. It supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. Notably, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free trial for users.

ExpressVPN Plans	Price per Month	Simultaneous Connections
1-Month Plan	$12.95	5
6-Month Plan	$9.99	Up to 8
1-Year Plan	$6.67	Up to 8

Nintendo Switch VPN Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	PrivateVPN	ExpressVPN
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	AtlasVPN.com	PrivateVPN.com	ExpressVPN.com
Ranking for Gaming	5/5	4.8/5	4.6/5	4.6/5	4.8/5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	35,9 Mbps	43,6 Mbps	42,2 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	750+	200+	3000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Devices supported	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS Gaming Consoles SmartTVs
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Best Deals	63% OFF + Gift	Save 81%	83% OFF	Save 85%	3 months FREE

Testing Methodology: How Did We Select VPNs for Nintendo Switch?

We had to establish some criteria for what we wanted in a VPN for Nintendo Switch. Here’s what we used to select these VPNs:

• No-lag and low ping when gaming
• Compatibility with Nintendo Switch
• Speed
• Unblocking capabilities
• Price
• Ease of use

Of course, we didn’t stop there. We wanted to make sure we were testing these VPNs thoroughly and fairly, so we came up with a series of tests to put them through. Here’s a breakdown of what we did:

1. Device Compatibility with Nintendo Switch: We made sure that each VPN we tested was compatible with the Nintendo Switch. This involved downloading and installing the VPN app and setting up with the Switch, connecting to various gaming servers, and making sure everything was working as it should.
2. Speeds: We ran speed tests with each VPN to see how it affected our computer’s internet connection. We used a tool called Speedtest.net to measure our download and upload speeds with and without the VPN active.
3. Gaming performance: We also wanted to see how each VPN affected gaming performance on the Nintendo Switch. We tested the performance by playing online games with and without the VPN active, taking note of any lag or issues we encountered.
4. Unblocking: We tested each VPN’s ability to unblock region-locked content on the Nintendo Switch. We tried accessing games like Apex Legends and Lost Ark and services that were only available in certain regions to see if the VPN server could get us around any geo-restrictions.
5. Price and ease of use: Finally, we evaluated each VPN based on its price and how easy it was to use. We looked at things like subscription options, user interfaces, and customer support to get a sense of how each VPN is stacked up in these areas.

How to Set Up a VPN for Nintendo Switch

Alright, let’s talk about how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a VPN. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on your setup and preferences. Here are four different ways you can get your Switch connected to a VPN:

Using Your Wi-Fi Router

1. Choose a VPN-compatible router to protect all the devices on your network.
2. Log in to your router’s configuration page by entering the router’s IP address in your web browser. The IP address can usually be found on the bottom of your router or in the documentation that came with it.
3. Once you’ve added the IP addresses, find the VPN section in your router’s settings. This might be called something like “VPN Client” or “VPN Configuration.”
4. Enter your VPN account information, including the server address, username, and password. If your VPN requires any additional settings, such as a specific protocol or port number, you’ll need to enter those as well.
5. Save the changes and restart your router to apply the VPN settings.
6. Connect your Nintendo Switch to the same network connection as your VPN router. You should now be able to access the internet through the VPN.

Using Your Windows Device as a Hotspot

1. Connect your Windows device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your Windows device and logging in.
2. Turn on the mobile hotspot feature in Windows by going to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Mobile hotspot.”
3. Configure your hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
4. Connect your Nintendo Switch to the Wi-Fi hotspot network by going to “Settings” > “Internet” > “Internet settings” on your Switch and selecting the hotspot network from the list of available networks.

Using Your Mac Device as a Wi-Fi Hotspot

1. Connect your Mac device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your Mac and logging in.
2. Turn on the internet sharing feature in Mac settings by going to “System Preferences” > “Sharing.”
3. Share your Mac’s internet connection via Wi-Fi by selecting “Internet Sharing” in the left sidebar and choosing “Wi-Fi” as the sharing method.
4. Configure your hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
5. Connect your Nintendo Switch to the Wi-Fi network created by your Mac by going to “Settings” > “Internet” > “Internet settings” on your Switch and selecting the Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.

Using Your Mobile Device as a Hotspot

1. Connect your mobile device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your mobile device and logging in.
2. Turn on the mobile hotspot feature in your device’s settings by going to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Hotspot & tethering.”
3. Configure your mobile hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
4. Connect your Nintendo Switch to the mobile hotspot network by going to “Settings” > “Internet” > “Internet settings” on your Switch and selecting the mobile hotspot network from the list of available networks.

And that’s it! With these additional steps, you should have a more detailed guide for each method to connect your Nintendo Switch to a VPN.

FAQ on Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch

Can I put a VPN in a Nintendo Switch?

No, you can’t install a VPN directly on your Nintendo Switch. However, you can connect your Switch to a VPN through various methods, such as using a VPN router, a mobile device hotspot, or a computer with wireless access.

Why use VPN on Nintendo Switch?

Using a VPN on Nintendo Switch can provide several benefits, such as improving online gaming performance by reducing lag and ping times, accessing geo-restricted content, protecting your online security and privacy, and avoiding ISP throttling.

Does Nintendo Switch have a VPN?

No, the Nintendo Switch does not have a built-in VPN feature. However, you can connect your Switch to a VPN using network connections to a router, mobile hotspot, or PC hotspot.

What is the best VPN for Nintendo Switch?

According to our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for Nintendo Switch as it provides both security features and a lag-free gaming experience.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Nintendo Switch?

Yes, it is legal to use a VPN with your Nintendo Switch, as long as you are not using it for illegal activities. However, it’s worth noting that using a VPN to access geo-blocked content may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms or games.

Can I use a free VPN for Nintendo Switch?

You can use a free VPN for your Nintendo Switch, but keep in mind that free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower speeds, data caps, and limited server options.

Can a VPN with Nintendo Switch lower my ping when gaming?

Yes, it can impact your gaming experience, depending on the quality of the VPN. A high-quality VPN can improve your gaming performance by reducing lag and ping times. 

Does Nintendo ban VPN usage?

No, Nintendo does not ban the use of VPNs with its consoles, including the Nintendo Switch. However, using a VPN server to cheat, hack games, or engage in illegal activities can result in a ban or suspension from online services.