Many Nintendo Switch owners complained about various NAT issues that limited their online gaming experience by making many online features within games unusable. These NAT problems actually stripped many games of the majority of their features to players’ despair.
As a quick reminder, NAT stands for Network Address Translation. It’s a method used in networking to connect multiple devices to the Internet using a single IP address provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Fixing NAT issues on Nintendo Switch is not that obvious.
The good news is that one resourceful gamer came up with a solution that should work for virtually all players, irrespective of the Nintendo Switch NAT types you’re using.
How to fix Nintendo Switch NAT issues
This fix requires you to use a Windows 10 computer to create a mobile hotspot. If you don’t have a Windows PC, use another OS that supports mobile hotspots.
Here are the steps to follow to enable Nintendo Switch NAT type B.
1. Create a HideMe VPN account. There is no need to download the VPN, simply create the account and you can then close the tab.
2. Open Windows Powershell by typing Powershell in the Windows 10 search bar.
Run the following command and then hit Enter: Add-VpnConnection -Name “hide.me IKEv2” -ServerAddress “free-ca.hide.me” -TunnelType “Ikev2” -RememberCredential
3. Go to Settings > click on Network and Internet > VPN
4. Click on the hide.me VPN > navigate to Advanced Settings > select Edit
5. Enter the username and password for the VPN account you just created > click on Connect to the VPN
6. Go back to the Network and Internet tab > click on Mobile Hotspot
7. Add a password for your hotspot > turn it on
8. Navigate to Network and Internet settings > select Status
9. Scroll down to Network and Sharing Center > open the Network and Sharing Center
10. Go to Change Adapter Settings > locate the HideMe VPN > right-click on it > go to Properties
11. Navigate to the sharing tab > check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer‘s internet connection option
12. Use the drop-down menu to select the mobile hotspot you created
13. Turn on your Nintendo Switch console > connect it to your mobile hotspot > a NAT type B should now be available
14. Change the DNS settings on your Switch > go to Internet settings > select your mobile hotspot > go to Settings > enter 8.8.8.8 as your primary DNS, and 8.8.4.4 as your secondary DNS.
You should now be able to play your favorite online games on your Nintendo Switch without any problems.
How does NAT type affect my Nintendo Switch?
When playing online on the Nintendo Switch, the type of NAT you’re using can significantly affect the quality of your connection, especially in multiplayer games.
NAT Type A (Open)
This is the best NAT type for gaming. Your Nintendo Switch console can directly communicate with other consoles, which leads to a smooth online multiplayer experience.
In this NAT type, your router does not limit incoming or outgoing traffic.
NAT Type B (Moderate)
In this NAT type, your router may limit connections with other consoles. You’ll still be able to join multiplayer games, but you might encounter limitations, like slower or inconsistent connections.
NAT Type D (Strict)
This is the most restricted NAT type. Your router significantly limits. This can potentially lead to difficulties in connecting to multiplayer sessions or other players not being able to join your hosted game.
NAT Type F (Fail)
This means that the system was unable to establish a connection with other consoles or servers. This is often due to highly restrictive firewall settings on the router or network issues.
References:
- Troubleshooting Issues Related to NAT, Nintendo Support.
Updated: June 2023.