Is NAT Type B good on Nintendo Switch?

Yes. NAT Type B works with most other NAT types and is usually good for online play. If matchmaking and friend sessions work, you do not need to force Type A.

Does this guide work for Switch 2, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and the original Switch?

Yes. Method 1 and Method 2 change the router or internet connection, so they apply to Switch 2, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and the original Switch. Use each console's own Test Connection result to check the outcome.

What does NAT Type D mean on Nintendo Switch?

NAT Type D means restrictive connectivity. The Switch may fail to connect to many peer-hosted sessions, especially with friends who are also behind restrictive NAT.

What does NAT Type F mean on Nintendo Switch?

NAT Type F means the Switch cannot complete peer-to-peer communication. The console may still reach the internet or Nintendo services, but direct multiplayer connections can fail. Follow Method 1, or use Method 2 when you cannot change the network.

Which ports should I forward for Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo's current guidance uses UDP 1024-65535, forwarded only to the reserved IP of the Switch. This is a very broad range, so use it only after the earlier Method 1 steps fail. Never send the same range to two consoles or to a computer.

Can Double NAT stop Switch port forwarding from working?

Yes. If another router, modem-router, mobile carrier, or ISP CGNAT sits upstream, a rule on your home router may not expose the Switch to the public internet.

Does changing DNS fix Nintendo Switch NAT Type?

Changing DNS can help name lookup issues, but it usually does not change NAT behavior. If the problem is Type D or F, focus on router mappings, Double NAT, CGNAT, or blocked network policies.

How do I fix ‘NAT traversal process has failed’ on Nintendo Switch?

Restart the Switch and network, temporarily test without IPv6, and follow Method 1. If only one player fails, ask that player to test their connection too. On a hotspot or shared network you cannot change, use Method 2.

Can I change Nintendo Switch NAT type on a mobile hotspot?

Usually not from the Switch or phone settings. Mobile providers often use CGNAT, so phone port forwarding is unavailable. Use Method 2 through a supported computer or compatible router, or switch to a home connection you control.

Will I pay more if I buy through an affiliate link?

No. The price is the same for you. NAT Checker may receive a commission, which helps us keep the site and its free tools running.

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Guide

11 min readAug 20, 2026

How to Change NAT Type on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Fix NAT Type C, D, or F on Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, learn when Type B is already good, and choose a router fix or an easier VPN workaround.

Hi there! If games like Splatoon suddenly can’t find opponents, your Switch’s NAT type is often the reason — Type D and F quietly block the peer-to-peer connections those matches rely on. I’ve been through the same confusion on my own Switch, and it’s part of why I built NAT Checker. Here I’ll help you read your NAT letter, decide whether it’s actually a problem, and fix it in the right order.

What Do NAT Types A, B, C, D, and F Mean?

On your Switch, open System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. Nintendo uses these letters to describe peer-to-peer multiplayer compatibility.

NAT type	What it means	What to do
Type A	Nintendo's preferred result for peer-to-peer play	No change needed.
Type B	Works with most other NAT types	Keep it if online play works.
Type C	May have trouble with players on more restrictive networks	Use Method 1 first; use Method 2 if Method 1 doesn’t fix matchmaking.
Type D	Usually connects only to players with NAT Type A	Use Method 1 first; use Method 2 if Method 1 fails.
Type F	Cannot complete peer-to-peer communication	Use Method 1 first; use Method 2 if Method 1 fails.

Method 1 is free if you can change your router settings. Method 2 uses a paid VPN, but it is simpler and more convenient if you cannot—or do not want to—change the router.

Method 1: Fix Nintendo Switch NAT Type on Your Home Network

Start here if you can sign in to the home router or ask your internet provider for help. Change one setting at a time and run Test Connection after each change.

Check the NAT type shown by your Switch

Open System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. Note the NAT Type, Global IP Address, and whether the test completes. If you already have Type A or B and multiplayer works, stop here.

Restart the Switch, modem, and router

Restart the network equipment, wait for the internet to return, then restart the Switch. Strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet can make play more stable, but it does not change NAT type by itself.

Temporarily turn off IPv6 and test again

For NAT or matchmaking problems, Nintendo recommends temporarily turning off IPv6 for this connection and running Test Connection again. Turn it back on if the result does not improve.

Try UPnP on a router you trust

If your home router offers UPnP, turn it on before creating a very broad manual port rule. Restart the router and Switch, then test again.

Reserve the Switch IP and forward ports only as a last resort

Reserve an IP address for the Switch in your router. If the earlier steps fail, Nintendo's current guidance uses UDP 1024-65535 to that console only. Do not forward this range to a computer or two consoles at once.

Double NAT: Remove a second router layer

If an ISP modem-router and your own router both handle the connection, put the ISP device in bridge mode or the second router in access point mode, so only one device performs NAT.

Check for Double NAT

Ask your ISP about CGNAT or public IPv4

If the router's WAN IP is private, shared, or different from your public IPv4, home port rules may be blocked upstream. Ask the provider for a public IPv4 address or removal from CGNAT.

Check for CGNAT

Before you use a broad port rule

If you have more than one Switch, do not forward the same ports to both consoles. Try UPnP instead. Use DMZ only as a last test for a dedicated console, never for a computer or another device that stores personal data.

Method 2: Use a VPN When You Cannot Change the Router

Use this method when NAT Type C, D, or F remains after Method 1, or when you are using a hotspot, hotel, dorm, campus, or another network you cannot change. A VPN gives your Switch another way to connect with other players.

Choose a VPN That Fits Your NAT Setup

Not every VPN has features that can improve Switch NAT Type. We included only VPNs whose official documentation describes a relevant NAT-improvement feature and whose refund terms are publicly available, so you can compare them before buying.

Proton VPN

Best value for everyday players who want easier multiplayer with minimal setup.

Moderate NAT for Switch NAT Type B.
Share the VPN through a PC hotspot, or set it up on a compatible VPN router.
Proton's ecosystem has more than 100 million users.
30-day money-back guarantee.

Choose Proton VPN

PureVPN

Best for Switch players who create online rooms, host matches, or open islands to visitors.

Windows PC hotspot setup for Switch NAT Type B.
Share the VPN through a PC hotspot, or set it up on a compatible VPN router.
PureVPN has more than 3 million users.
31-day money-back guarantee.

Choose PureVPN

Which Fix Fits Your Situation?

Your result or situation	Best method	Why
NAT Type A or B and online play works	Make no changes	Both are good results for peer-to-peer multiplayer.
NAT Type C and some matches fail	Method 1	Your home router or provider may be limiting connections to more restrictive players.
NAT Type D or F and you control the router	Method 1	Router and provider changes can remove the restriction at its source.
Router changes make no difference	Check Double NAT or CGNAT in Method 1	A second router or your provider may be blocking the connection before it reaches your router.
You use a hotspot, hotel, dorm, campus, or shared network	Method 2	You normally cannot change port or NAT settings on a network you do not control.
You want the simpler VPN option for everyday multiplayer	Proton VPN Moderate NAT	It is designed to make peer-to-peer connections easier without choosing incoming ports yourself.
You create online rooms, host matches, or open islands to visitors	PureVPN All-Port Forwarding	Its paid add-on lets other players reach your rooms, matches, or island without entering Switch port numbers one by one. A compatible VPN router is required.

NAT Type A or B but Still Cannot Join a Match?

A or B already gives the Switch a compatible NAT result. Use the failed connection itself to choose the next check.

If only one friend fails, ask that player to run Test Connection. Their NAT type may be the restrictive side.
If every match fails, check Nintendo or game service status, then restart the network and improve weak Wi-Fi or slow internet.
If the error says NAT traversal failed, restart and retest first. If only one friend is affected, ask them to test too; otherwise follow Method 1.
Do not keep changing the router just to turn Type B into Type A when multiplayer already works.

Nintendo Switch NAT Type FAQ

First run Test Connection. If you can change the home router, use Method 1: restart the network, test without IPv6, try UPnP, and use port forwarding only as a last resort. If you cannot change the router or your provider will not remove the restriction, use the Method 2 VPN workaround.

Test Again and Stop at NAT Type A or B

Use the Switch's own Test Connection result for its A–F letter. NATChecker can help find router, Double NAT, or ISP problems from another device on the same network, but it cannot report the Switch's Nintendo NAT letter.

Check NAT Type Now →

Sources checked

Nintendo NAT troubleshooting Nintendo matchmaking and NAT types Nintendo port-forwarding guidance

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