How to Use Nintendo Switch VPN in 2023: Best VPN 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:
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Nintendo Switch console.
- Surfshark – Sophisticated Nintendo Switch VPN with plenty of advanced features.
- AtlasVPN – Impressive all-around VPN with a free version.
- PrivateVPN – An excellent pick for casual gamers.
- 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.
VPN for Gaming 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 |
Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch in 2023 – our detailed list
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the ultimate choice for gamers who are looking for the best VPN connection for their Nintendo Switch. With over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. The impressive NordVPN server network ensures that you can easily find a server that suits your needs. NordVPN’s high-performing servers support the in-house NordLynx protocol, which is perfect for console gamers.
When tested on a Nintendo Switch, NordVPN proved to have low ping and no lag, ensuring smooth gameplay without any buffering or interruptions. Additionally, NordVPN is compatible with Nintendo Switch, meaning you can easily connect it to your console via a hotspot or a Wi-Fi router.
NordVPN is a great VPN for gaming, it also offers excellent unblocking capabilities. It can easily unblock geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Twitch, making it ideal for gamers who like to stream their games.
Despite being an averagely priced VPN, NordVPN provides a host of features that make it one of the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch.
Its user-friendly interface, combined with its security features such as RAM-only servers, DDoS protection, and private DNS, makes it an ideal choice for gamers. It’s perfect for those who want a VPN connection that is both secure and high-performing.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is not part of any major international surveillance organization, and it doesn’t keep any data logs on its users.
| Speed Test | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 100 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 89 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 71 Mbps |
| Best deal | 63% OFF + Gift |
- Thousands of lightning-fast and well-optimized servers
- Unblocks all the major streaming sites
- Fully supports Torrenting and P2P
- Strict no-logs policy and RAM-disk servers
- Ad blocker and malware protection features
- Robust security features and military-grade encryption to protect you from DDoS attacks and other online threats
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Only 6 simultaneous connections
- No free trial
2. Surfshark
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s perfect for gaming on your Nintendo Switch, Surfshark is a great option to consider. This service offers a fast and secure VPN connection with over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, ensuring low ping and lag-free gaming.
What’s more, Surfshark offers advanced features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, which are specifically designed to improve your gaming experience. Its compatibility with Nintendo Switch is also noteworthy, making it easy to use on your console
.
Surfshark is an excellent choice for unblocking content, as it can bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms and allow access to geo-restricted games. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who like to stream their gameplay.
Moreover, Surfshark offers top-notch security features like private DNS and leak protection, kill switch, and secure encryption. Its pricing plans are also very competitive, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers who want a quality VPN service. Surfshark even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Compared to other VPNs, Surfshark is a great value, and its network and security features are just as good as the more expensive options. So if you’re a gamer looking for a quality VPN provider for your Nintendo Switch, Surfshark is definitely worth considering.
Surfshark Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | Surfshark |
|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 39,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 35,8 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 81% |
- A very affordable VPN provider
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Ad-blocking feature
- Unblocks streaming platforms
- A fast and light WireGuard protocol
- Allows split-tunneling and has a multi-hop VPN feature
- No-log policy and robust security features
- GPS spoofing on Android devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No free version
- Does not allow P2P seeding
3. AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is a VPN provider that’s growing in popularity, and it’s also a great option for Nintendo Switch gamers. It’s a fast VPN with reliable connections, making it a good choice for reducing lag and ping. AtlasVPN also has an impressive number of server locations in 28 countries, which is useful for finding the best connection for your needs.
What’s great about AtlasVPN is that it’s also the best free gaming VPN with a premium version available. The free version includes unlimited data usage, which is rare for free VPNs, and the premium version has additional features like access to all server locations and faster speeds. The premium version is reasonably priced, making it a good value option compared to other premium VPN providers.
AtlasVPN is compatible with Nintendo Switch, and its VPN client is easy to use, even for beginners. The VPN support is helpful and responsive, making it a reliable option for gamers. However, AtlasVPN doesn’t have a kill switch feature, which could be a dealbreaker for some gamers.
Compared to other VPNs like NordVPN, or Surfshark, AtlasVPN is a newer player in the game. It doesn’t have the same level of brand recognition or reputation. However, it’s still a solid choice for Nintendo Switch gamers who want a reliable and fast VPN at an affordable price.
AtlasVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | AtlasVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | AtlasVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 35,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 34,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 29,9 Mbps |
| Best deal | 83% OFF |
- Very affordable plans and it has a free version
- Fast Speeds
- Helpful against an ISP throttling your connection
- Unlimited device support
- WireGuard protocol, DNS leak protection, and strong security features
- Torrenting-friendly
- Unblocks streaming services
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Limited Linux app
- Based in the US
- Not so many servers
4. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a great option for gamers looking for a reliable VPN for their Nintendo Switch. With over 200 servers in 63 locations worldwide, this VPN offers fast speeds and unblocking capabilities. PrivateVPN is also easy to use, making it a great option for beginners who are new to VPNs.
One of the standout features of PrivateVPN is its impressive 99.98% uptime, ensuring a stable connection while gaming on your Nintendo Switch. Additionally, it offers AES 256-bit encryption, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure that your online activity is safe and secure.
When it comes to gaming on your Nintendo Switch, no lag and low ping are essential for a smooth gaming experience. PrivateVPN delivers on this front, making it an excellent choice for gamers. It is also compatible with Nintendo Switch, so you can enjoy all of your favorite games without any restrictions.
Compared to other VPN services, PrivateVPN is a simple and easy-to-use option that still delivers on performance and safety. With its fast speeds, port forwarding, unblocking capabilities, and affordable price, it’s a top choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience on Nintendo Switch.
PrivateVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | PrivateVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 43,6 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 45.9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 40,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | Save 85% |
- Supports P2P traffic and allows port forwarding
- Unlimited bandwidth and great speeds
- Unblocks most streaming platforms
- Zero-logging policy
- Free Static IP servers
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Not as many servers as other VPN providers
- No split-tunneling
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a cutting-edge Nintendo Switch VPN service that won’t disappoint when gaming on your Nintendo Switch console as well as other platforms like Xbox or PlayStation. It’s one of the fastest VPN providers out there, with no lag and low ping performance. I’ve tested it myself, and I can confirm that the speeds are impressive, and it unblocks content like a charm.
ExpressVPN has 3000+ server locations in 94 countries, making it easy to connect to a server near you and experience faster speeds. It’s also compatible with Nintendo Switch, so you can play your favorite games while benefiting from VPN protection.
The VPN software is easy to use, with native VPN support on routers and other devices. You can also install VPN apps on your iOS, Android, and other devices.
ExpressVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without any commitment.
Compared to other premium VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive, but its quality and reliability are worth the price.
ExpressVPN also offers a kill switch feature, which ensures that your encrypted connection stays protected in case the VPN client disconnects for any reason. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind, especially when gaming on public Wi-Fi or in other potentially insecure locations.
ExpressVPN Speed Test for Gaming Results
| Speed Test | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN.com |
| Average Speed – North America (United States) | 42,2 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Europe (United Kingdom) | 40,9 Mbps |
| Average Speed – Asia (Singapore) | 38,1 Mbps |
| Best deal | +3 months FREE |
- Works with streaming
- Supports torrenting
- No-logs policy
- TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers
- Premium security features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Expensive subscription plans
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Choose a VPN-compatible router to protect all the devices on your network.
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- Save the changes and restart your router to apply the VPN settings.
- 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
- Connect your Windows device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your Windows device and logging in.
- Turn on the mobile hotspot feature in Windows by going to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Mobile hotspot.”
- Configure your hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
- 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
- Connect your Mac device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your Mac and logging in.
- Turn on the internet sharing feature in Mac settings by going to “System Preferences” > “Sharing.”
- 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.
- Configure your hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
- 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
- Connect your mobile device to your VPN by downloading and installing a VPN client on your mobile device and logging in.
- Turn on the mobile hotspot feature in your device’s settings by going to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Hotspot & tethering.”
- Configure your mobile hotspot settings by choosing a network name and password.
- 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.
