The Nintendo Switch is one of Nintendo’s most unique consoles. It is a great combination of the Wii and 3DS. The Joy-Con’s allow for the motion controls, while the screen allows it to be taken on the go. Unlike most of its competitors the Switch is portable and can be played on a TV. This is done through the console’s port that also servers as a charging station. The Nintendo Switch Lite is another version that does not have detachable Joycons. it is a cheaper version that is only handheld playable. Nintendo has many games that are awesome to play online like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. A VPN can improve your gaming experience. It can reduce lag, improve ping, protect against DDoS attacks, and help you get around firewalls at school or work. Please join me as I share the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch VPN Quickstart
Want to fix lag spikes on Nintendo Switch? If so follow these instructions.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
- Log into Expressvpn.com and go to the “DNS Settings” tab.
- Click the button to register your IP address.
- You can also set dynamic DNS (more technical users)
- Click on the “Dashboard” tab
- Look for the “Set up on all your devices” section and click on the “see all devices” link.
- Click on the set up guide for your console. ExpressVPN MediaStreamer supports PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. They also have a YouTube video to help Nintendo Switch users get set up.
- Make note of the IP address given in the set up box to the right of the screen.
- Set the DNS on your console to the IP given on the ExpressVPN site.
A VPN can also hep you receive a discount on the Nintendo Store. You can save up to 11%. Here is a quick look at the difference in prices on Fire Emblem Three Houses in different regions:
- Brazil – R$ 299,00 which is $59.05 USD
- United States – $59.99
- Canada – $62.65 CAD which is $ USD
- United Kingdom – £49.99 which is $66.12 USD
- Japan – ¥ 6,980 which is $67.08 USD
Nintendo Switch Gaming Info
The Nintendo Switch is a revolutionary console that boasts its ability to be great on the go and a good for local multiplayer. It features some of Nintendo’s biggest titles like Super Mario Odyssey, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Switch has three display modes including hand held, tablet, and tv. It also has many unique accessories like Nintendo Labo. These kits can build cool gadgets out of cardboard in real life like robot suits, vehicles, and VR eye coverings. These then all attach to the different parts of the switch to interact with the game. In order to play games online, you must have Nintendo Switch Online. The service also comes with special discounts, free NES and Super NES titles, and a smartphone app that can be used for voice chat. Most importantly, it gives you access to playing online games. The service is similar to other company’s online pass, but it is cheaper in comparison.
Game Server Locations
Nintendo has not released the server provider they use to host all their online games. However, a lot of companies use reliable serves like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Based off this and other information we have found about other Nintendo title we recommend connecting to a VPN servers in Kansas City, Atlanta, Singapore, Amsterdam, or London for the best performance.
Here are the best VPNs to use with Nintendo Switch.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our selection for the best gaming VPN. It works across many devices. PC, Mac, iOS, and Android users can download an easy to use app that gives you access to ExpressVPN. Console users have two options. They can either download the app on a compatible router or use the MediaStreamer service. The MediaStreamer will allow you to enhance your speed, but will not give you the same protection a VPN will. This will work for fixing lag on consoles like PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It also works on Smart TV and tablet. You have access to five connections so you can use it on multiple devices at the same time. ExpressVPN gives you the ability to improve your gaming experience on a variety of devices.
ExpressVPN has an exciting exclusive discount of 49% off a year subscription of VPN with an extra 3 months for all our readers. You can play online with less lag and improved privacy. Take advantage of regional exclusives and play with friends internationally through the over 160 server locations. It is easy to use and available across a variety of devices. ExpressVPN offers a 30 day money back guarantee. This gives you a full month to see how a VPN can help your gaming experience.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another great choice for gaming online. They might not have performed quite as well as ExpressVPN in our test, but they still offer fast gaming at an affordable price. Like many VPN companies, NordVPN prioritizes privacy. They will encrypt your data and protect you from DDoS attacks. NordVPN has servers in 59 countries, which means most of your major gaming regions are covered. They also have an easy to use app for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Those who have a more technical background can run NordVPN through their router to play on consoles like Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch. It helps to have DD-WRT or Tomato firmware on your router. NordVPN is an excellent choice, but takes a little more technical background for console users.
NordVPN can help decrease your ping and lag. It will help you get around geo-restrictions to unblock games. You can also find discounts on titles by connecting to different regions. While doing this, you will be safe as NordVPN does not log user activities when connected to their network. They mask your IP. When playing, we recommend not using double protection as this might decrease speed. NordVPN is a great service that you can try out with a 30 day money back guarantee.
3. Private Internet Access
PIA is our third option for great VPNs to use when gaming online. Private Internet Access will help you avoid ISP throttling. This occurs when a server gives your traffic lower priority. They will also help you gain access to regionally restricted DLC, games, and content. PIA will give you an IP in the location where it is unblocked and keep your identity anonymous. This can also be used to take advantage of regional price differences. Many times countries have limited editions of games that give you extra benefits, while others just simply pay less for titles. Australia is not a good country to connect to for taking advantage of price differences, but its is great for gaining access to games early.
Private Internet Access is a United States based VPN company. They have great US and Canadian servers. PIA’s highest priority is your privacy. They do not log user activities, while using the service. Your IP is also cloaked and a VPN encrypts your data. This will increase your protection from DDoS attacks and help keep your identity anonymous. They can block ads and malware. PIA is a great VPN service for keeping gamers safe. They offer a 30 day money back guarantee that will let you test out the VPN service for a full month.
Why are Games Blocked at School or Work?
Most gamers have experienced the frustration of network restrictions. Whether it’s a firewall at school or work, you will find that popular game servers and social media sites are often blocked. A VPN will hide your traffic so that the network can not detect that you are playing a game or visiting your favorite sites like YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, etc. The VPN will encrypt your data which will stop it from being blocked by your network administrator.
Why is the Game Restricted by Region?
You will find that many games (and streaming sites like Netflix) have set restrictions based on the region of the world you are in. For example, Rainbow Six has servers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Players are restricted to playing in their own region. What if you want to play with friends in another country? The solution is to use a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in the region you wish to play in. Preferably as close to the game server as possible for the best performance. You can also use a VPN to buy and play games that are not otherwise available in your region.
Not All VPNs Support Fast Online Gaming
It doesn’t help to have a VPN that won’t place you in the proper geographic region or isn’t fast enough for gaming. There are literally hundreds of VPN services that won’t cut it for online gaming. There are very few that support the speeds necessary to fix lag issues and provide the proper IP location. The key is using a leading VPN and making a connection close to the game server you wish to play on. The difference in routing can boost your speed. We recommend using ExpressVPN for the best performance.
