How to Change NAT Type on Nintendo Switch

NAT (Network Address Translation) is a networking process that connects or converts a public IP address into a private one. It can also be used the other way around, allowing multiple devices in a network to connect with the internet using a single public IP address.

Certain functions are assigned to the NAT type, which are:

• To manage IP addresses
• Improve the security of a device
• Control network traffic

If you haven’t set up the correct NAT type on your Nintendo Switch, it will cause continuous issues with communicating with online players.

What are the NAT Types for Nintendo Switch?

If you own a Nintendo Switch, you may categorize the NAT types into five levels:

1. Type A: Known as the Open NAT type, ideal for gaming, and lets you communicate with anyone.
2. Type B: Moderate NAT type, only lets you connect with certain people.
3. Type C: Called the Strict NAT type, which allows you to connect to players with Type A and B NAT.
4. Type D: Highly Restricted, provides limited connectivity, and is known to have issues with voice chats.
5. Type F: No features are available for online gaming; therefore, it is referred to as a failed NAT type. You have to either change your router or network settings via Port Forwarding or via VPN.

What NAT type is best for Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch is the name of speedy gaming, and it would be a shame if matchmaking, voice chat quality, or game hosting are compromised. For this, NAT type A is recommended, which also ensures interruption-free chats and gameplay. In an ideal situation, Nintendo Switch with NAT type A or B is the one to boost your online gaming experience without any known hassle.

How to Check Your Nintendo Switch NAT Type?

Checking your Nintendo Switch NAT type is quite easy; you just have to go to System Settings on your Nintendo Switch. Once you are there, go down and select ‘Internet,’ and then click ‘Test Connection.’ Once the test is completed, you can see your NAT type listed.

Apart from NAT A and B, any NAT type you’ll see must be changed.

Changing NAT Type on Nintendo Switch in 2025

Known for their ability to change NAT type on the Nintendo Switch, these six methods will enhance your online gaming experience by resolving the issues that prevent you from connecting to other players on your Nintendo Switch.

1. Reboot Your Router

One of the simplest methods to resolve the NAT type issue on your Nintendo Switch is by rebooting your router device. You can do this in a minute by turning off the router for 20 seconds and then turning it back on. Once it’s rebooted, test the connection on Nintendo Switch if the NAT type has been changed.

2. Switch to DMZ

If you place your Nintendo Switch in a Demilitarized Zone, it will open all the ports required for online gaming. Here’s how to do this:

1. Find your Nintendo Switch’s IP address by going to Settings > Internet > Internet Settings > Connection > Advanced Settings, and note down the IP address mentioned.
2. Go to your router’s admin panel by typing its IP address (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)  in a web browser.
3. Go to the DMZ settings, which can be found under Security, Advanced, or NAT settings.
4. Enter your Nintendo Switch IP address and enable the DMZ.
5. Save the settings and perform a router reboot.
6. Test the connection on your Nintendo Switch now; it will display NAT type A.

3. Turn on Universal Plug and Play

UPnP automatically configures your router to the ideal settings, allowing only specific ports to be open. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page.
2. Navigate to the UPnP settings, located under the Advanced or NAT section.
3. Enable UPnP.
4. Reboot the router.
5. Test your connection on Nintendo Switch.

Although enabling UPnP is a straightforward process, it does not support all routers.

4. Port Forwarding

Instead of allowing ports to open automatically, Port Forwarding means you manually open certain ports. Here, you will need the following ports:

• TCP: 6667, 12400, 29900, 29901, 29920
• UDP: 1-65535

1. Assign a Static IP address to your Nintendo Switch. You can do this by manually configuring the Nintendo Switch’s IP in the advanced settings or by keeping an IP address based on the Nintendo Switch’s MAC address, which is typically done on the router.
2. Open the Port Forwarding section on your router’s page.
3. Add rules to each port forwarded to the Nintendo Switch’s IP address.
4. Save the settings and restart your router.
5. Run the connection test on Nintendo Switch to see the NAT type.

This method is deemed more secure than UPnP and the DMZ method.

5. Change Nintendo Switch NAT type by Ethernet Connection

The purpose of using a wired connection is not to change your NAT type, but to improve your internet connection speed and stability. It also reduces the packet loss associated with causing interference during gameplay. Lastly, doing this will also improve your router’s capability to handle NAT requests, which works for your own good.

If you frequently experience NAT issues on your Nintendo Switch, using a wired connection will avoid such conflicting issues.

6. Use a VPN via Mobile Hotspot

If you are using a VPN to change the NAT type on your Nintendo Switch, you will receive a NAT type B. The process is simple and involves these steps:

1. Download a top-notch VPN on your PC
2. Launch it by connecting to a VPN server
3. Enable mobile hotspot in your PC
4. Connect your Nintendo Switch to this hotspot

Tips for Troubleshooting

• If you are facing an issue called Double NAT, this means you are using two routers (ISP router and personal router) to access the internet. Solution: Enable bridge mode on the router provided by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). You can also set up a DMZ or Port Forwarding in both routers.
• Using a Static IP address is a prerequisite, as dynamic IP addresses change after the router is restarted. It will also disrupt the port forwarding.
• If your firewall is strict and does not allow game ports, ensure that you allow the required permissions.
• Always keep your router’s firmware up to date, as this will keep the NAT support improved.

What if NAT is Disabled on Nintendo Switch?

If you are running on a home network, disabling NAT is not recommended. This is because disabling NAT is associated with an increased security risk to your device. NAT protects your home network from online threats on the public internet. If you disable NAT, each device on your network will receive a separate IP address; however, this will also double the chances of cyberattacks.

IP conflict is another issue that can be resolved by disabling NAT, which occurs when multiple devices share the same IP address, resulting in marked connectivity issues. You can’t communicate with other devices and the internet if this happens.

You can’t disable NAT for Nintendo, as it might cause connectivity problems. Issues like the inability to join multiplayer games and perform voice chats are a few of the drawbacks. Changing the NAT type to the desired one tends to be more effective than disabling it.