Nintendo Switch users can protect themselves from hackers and access games reserved for specific regions with a VPN. In this guide, we show you the best VPN providers to use with Nintendo Switch – as well as how to make the best use of them.
The best Nintendo Switch VPNs at a glance
Below, we've listed the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch. For more info, please scroll down for full in-depth summaries.
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for Nintendo Switch. Great cross-platform compatibility, lightning-fast speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best buy Nintendo Switch VPN. You get blazing-fast servers worldwide, great privacy, and plenty of customization.
- Private Internet Access - The most secure Nintendo Switch VPN. It combines robust encryption, great features and a proven zero-logs policy.
- Surfshark - An all-around VPN for Nintendo Switch. For a low monthly cost you get fast speeds, superb features, and unlimited connections.
- VyprVPN - A fully-audited VPN to use with Nintendo consoles. It has servers spanning the globe and strong privacy features that won't fail you.
Get ExpressVPN the #1 VPN for Nintendo
Recently Nintendo Switch users have been targeted by hackers, trying to gain access to their accounts. In addition, some countries have blocked Switch users from accessing top titles like Animal Crossing.
VPN services encrypt the user's connection which vastly improves your online privacy and security. They also allow users to change their IP address, so you can use one to unblock games and get them cheaper.
All of the best Nintendo Switch VPN services have the following features to ensure you get the best gaming experience.
- Fast servers
- A worldwide server network
- Ability to unblock content
The Best VPN for Nintendo Switch | In-depth analysis
We take a closer look at the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch below. If would like more information, check out our more detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is the best Nintendo Switch VPN. This well-known service is perfect for gaming, offers compatibility with most VPN routers and consoles, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is our top pick when it comes to a VPN for Wii U or Switch because it works so well on Tomato and DD-WRT routers. It can also be purchased pre-flashed via FlashRouters and comes ready to be set up on the value-for-money Vilfo. These options are perfect for people who don't want the trouble of flashing a router themselves. ExpressVPN also provides the very best levels of OpenVPN encryption, along with lightning-fast servers for streaming and gaming. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries
worldwide, which means you can unblock any website and play on gaming servers from all over the world. It's also one of a handful of VPNs that can access Netflix and other sought-after streaming services without any hiccups. Additionally, ExpressVPN has excellent guides for setting up the VPN connection on routers with a built-in VPN client. Customer care is provided via 24/7 live chat, so no matter what your issue is, you can get it fixed right away at any time of the day or night. Lastly, the VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free. A superb all-rounder that you can also easily install on a computer to share your connection with a console. And it can be installed on up to 5 simultaneous devices with a single subscription. NordVPN is the best budget VPN for Switch. You get blazing fast servers worldwide, top-notch features, and watertight privacy at a great price. Nord Demo NordVPN is a premium VPN provider that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It offers thousands of servers in over 111 countries
worldwide, enabling you to access your favorite online games from nearly anywhere. This VPN is also great for streaming, consistently fast and reliable – so, you'll get to enjoy Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ securely and without buffering. NordVPN is one of the most user-friendly VPNs on the market. You get fully-featured apps for all your devices and great cross-platform and router compatibility. You also get extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers. On top of standard security features such as a kill-switch, this VPN offers DoubleVPN (enables you to change your IP twice in a row), Onion over VPN (combines the privacy of NordVPN and Tor browser), threat protection (blocks ads and malware), and many other exclusive features. If you’re looking for a VPN provider that is a true no-log service, NordVPN is one of the few such services – confirmed by third-party auditing firms. So, with this provider, you know that all your sensitive info is in safe hands! I dare to say that, currently, NordVPN is the best buy option on the market, but don’t just take my word for it, put it to the test yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee and try all its advanced features without risking your cash. Private Internet Access is a secure VPN to use with Nintendo Switch. This trustworthy VPN is great for lag-free gaming on a secure and private network – a court-proven zero-logs policy. PIA Demo Private Internet Access (PIA) is often praised by Reddit users due to its high performance and security levels. It is a zero-logs VPN that has apps for all platforms. And that software provides all the best VPN features including OpenVPN encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscation. What’s more, with PIA you can customize your encryption options to either max out your speeds or tighten your security - depending on your particular needs. This makes it a great option for experienced VPN users who appreciate having more control over their settings. That said, PIA is also great for beginners as well. With Private Internet Access, you can spoof your location to 84 countries
across the globe. Though that may be fewer than some of its competitors, it will still be fine for most Nintendo gamers. Those servers are fast and they are located in the places where you are likely to need them most. And PIA can unblock Netflix US and other sought-after US streaming services. A great all-rounder that can be used on up to 10 devices simultaneously and that has a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service. Surfshark is a great all-around VPN option for Nintendo Switch. Don't be fooled by its price, this VPN is super fast VPN and offers servers worldwide. Surfshark Demo Surfshark is a VPN based in the British Virgin Islands, ideal for Nintendo consoles. The VPN has fast servers located in over 100 countries
worldwide, so you can easily conceal your IP address to pretend to be in a different country. As a result, you can join various different game lobbies around the globe to find different players and boost your multiplayer opportunities. With this VPN you can also unblock more content on YouTube or Netflix and gain privacy from your ISP. Surfshark is an excellent service with apps for all platforms, and it can be used on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. And, where privacy and security are concerned, this service is extremely strong thanks to its OpenVPN encryption, obfuscation, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. This makes it great for gaining privacy both at home and on public WiFi. It's an excellent VPN with 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. VyprVPN is a fully-audited VPN for Nintendo consoles. This VPN has proven it can unblock content from all around the world quickly and reliably, with its proprietary network of servers. VYPR Demo VyprVPN is a service based in Switzerland, a location that is known to be excellent for privacy. The VPN is ideal for gaming thanks to its large choice of servers in over 70
locations around the world. With VyprVPN you get fully-featured apps for all platforms, so you can easily get it working with any of your laptops or desktop computers to share the VPN connection with your Nintendo Switch. And VyprVPN is one of the best VPNs for unblocking more content on Netflix US, or for accessing geo-restricted services such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or other US TV channels. With VyprVPN you get a service with a watertight zero-logs policy, and the VPN is fully featured with all the best privacy and security settings; OpenVPN encryption, a kill switch, stealth servers, and more. VyprVPN is also one of the few services to have completely proved the efficacy of its platform with a third-party security audit. A strong VPN that provides good value for money. It can be used on up to 5 devices simultaneously and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost VPN is an easy-to-set-up and use VPN, making it perfect for Switch users. The service offers excellent speeds and a lot of servers located all over the globe. CyberGhost Demo CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN that's ideal for Nintendo Switch users. It has a whopping number of servers in more than 100 countries
worldwide, all with blazing speeds that make gaming and streaming a cinch. As a result, you'll easily be able to take part in multiplayer games, VoIP conference calls, and other data-intensive tasks. Plus, this VPN has a zero-logs policy and strong encryption – so you never have to worry about your ISP or the websites you visit tracking your habits. CyberGhost has all the VPN features you are likely to need, but it is not overly complicated, which makes it great for beginners. We love CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, which are available for all popular platforms. And it has easy setup guides for installing the VPN manually on routers. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-flashed router or use it on the pre-installed Vilfo VPN router. In addition, it can protect you both at home and on public WiFi thanks to its generous 7 simultaneous connection allowance. And, if you require help, you can count on its live chat support. It's a superb service that is well worth trialing using its 45-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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A Quick Note on setting up a VPN on Nintendo Switch
Unfortunately, it isn't possible to install a VPN directly onto your Nintendo Switch. To get a VPN working with your Switch, you will need to apply one of the following methods:
- Use a VPN router
- Share your VPN connection from your computer to your Nintendo Switch.
- Use a Smart DNS service – ExpressVPN offers SmartDNS with its package, it quickly allows users to connect to different countries.
Check out our guide on how to set up a VPN on Nintendo Switch to find out more information about the methods above.
A Quick Trick That Will Protect Your Nintendo Switch
While a VPN will help protect your privacy and unblock services from around the world, there are other dangers to your security that you should be aware of. Most recently, Nintendo Switch owners have seen a massive spike in breaches to their accounts, which has resulted in hackers using their payment details to buy Fortnite's premium VBuck currency (this is used to launder the money).
To help protect your account from any kind of unauthorized access, you should immediately enable two-factor authentication (2FA). To do this, you'll need to:
- Log in to the Nintendo Account website.
- Select the Sign-in and security settings option on the left.
- Click Edit next to 2-Step Verification settings at the bottom.
- Nintendo needs to verify you are the account holder before making changes. Select Send email if you have access to the attached email address or navigate to User Info > Email address to change it before continuing this step from the beginning.
- The website will now ask you to input the code you received.
- Download an authentication app onto your smartphone (or other device). The most popular one is Google Authenticator.
- Add a new device to your authenticator (on Google Authenticator, you can click the + symbol and scan the QR code displayed on the website).
- Another code will appear in the application to confirm the change. Input this code into the relevant field on the website.
- Backup your recovery codes by copying them into a document. These will be required to log in if you lose access to your authentication application.
- Your Nintendo Switch will automatically log you out and ask you to input a code displayed in your chosen authentication app. You should only have to do this once per device.
Why should you use a VPN?
VPNs allow you to pretend to be in a foreign country, allowing you to play online with different match-ups than you usually would. This is particularly handy for those in stricter countries, where some games have regional restrictions or have been outright banned. Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch is the latest game to come under fire by the Chinese Communist Party – after being used by Hong Kong activists to push pro-democracy messages.
Installing a VPN on a router means that all the devices in your home are protected and encrypted, not just your Switch console. Every device will benefit from the VPN's watertight digital privacy. This also ensures that all the devices in your home have their true IP address concealed and appear to be in the location of the VPN server you are connecting through. If installing the VPN on your router isn't possible, however, you can still install the VPN on each individual device to gain the same level of privacy.
With a VPN, you will be able to unblock regional libraries of streaming services from all around the world, unearthing a wealth of new content. This is perfect for unblocking content on Hulu and YouTube on Nintendo Switch, but unfortunately, Netflix remains unavailable for the console. Wii U users can continue to unblock US Netflix if they choose the right VPN, however. Check out our VPN for Netflix guide for a list of services that allow you to do this.
What Is a Nintendo VPN?
A Virtual Private Network for Nintendo is a VPN that can be used effectively in combination with a Switch, Wii U, or 3DS. Sadly, it is not possible to install a VPN directly on Nintendo devices and consoles. For this reason, you need to connect to the VPN using your router (or by sharing your internet connection with a VPN-connected PC).
Connecting to a VPN at the router level will protect all the devices in your home simultaneously – not only your Switch, but your laptop, PC, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, and any other internet-connected devices you might have. Connecting to a VPN through your router is the most secure way to protect all of your devices at once.
For those who don't know, a VPN is an online service that allows you to pretend to be in a different country. By doing so, you can bypass local censorship and restrictions. VPNs can also overcome geo-restrictions in order to access content that is usually blocked. As you can imagine, this is pretty awesome – you'll be able to freely access websites from all over the world.
Furthermore, a reliable VPN provides a strong layer of military-grade encryption. That encryption scrambles all the data coming and going from your devices. The result? Nobody – not Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the government, advertisers, or local network administrators – can see what you are doing online. This gives you digital privacy and allows you to access whatever you want online without fear of being watched.
Why Is One VPN Better than Another?
Because the best way to use a VPN on your Nintendo Switch is to connect to the VPN at the router level, router compatibility is the first consideration. There are too many routers on the market for us to list every single one here. However, the VPNs in this article have all been selected because they will run on compatible routers. In addition, the VPNs in this guide have all been selected because they have easy to follow setup guides and outstanding customer support.
ExpressVPN (the best VPN for Nintendo), has 24/7 live chat support, for example. That customer service is even available for people who haven't subscribed yet. As such, once you've searched online to see whether your router is compatible with VPNs, you can head straight over to Express to discuss getting the VPN and connecting to it using your router's built-in VPN client.
The next considerations are server locations and connection speeds. For gaming and streaming content on a Switch or Wii U, connection speeds need to be fast. Many VPN services provide connection speeds that are too slow for the job. All the VPNs in this guide have been carefully selected for Nintendo devices because they have fast networks of servers that are perfect for data-intensive tasks.
Install a VPN on a Router
Unfortunately, it's not possible to install a VPN on either The Nintendo Switch or Wii U. For this reason, you have to connect to a VPN at the router level. Not all routers can be used to connect to a VPN. However, nowadays a lot of routers are compatible with VPNs. To find out whether your router is compatible, search for the model online.
Read on to find out what a Nintendo VPN is and how it works. We explain why you must run it at the router level. We also explain how to connect the VPN on a router, and how to flash a compatible router with new firmware (if it isn't VPN-ready) so you can install a Nintendo VPN client on it. Finally, we explain where to buy a new router if yours isn't compatible.
Check Your Router for VPN Compatibility
The first thing you need to do is search for the brand and model of your router online. When checking to see if it is VPN compatible, also check to see which encryption protocols it is compatible with. Encryption protocols include Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP), and OpenVPN.
Knowing which protocols your router is compatible with can help if you need to approach your VPN for help in setting it up – and don't be afraid to ask! Customer service teams will be happy to help you, and they'll have all the necessary setup guides to get you up and running.
My Router Isn't Compatible with VPNs
If your router isn't currently compatible with VPNs, you won't be able to set up your VPN connection directly on it. If this is the case, you have two options. If your router permits it, you can flash it with a VPN-compatible firmware such as Tomato or DD-WRT. However, this is a highly technical process and should only be attempted if you are confident doing advanced installation procedures. If you're not confident in doing so, you will run the risk of bricking your router, rendering it completely useless and void any manufacturer's warranty. For instructions on how to flash a router, please read best VPN routers.
Another option is to let FlashRouters do it for you. FlashRouters can upgrade your router (if it is compatible) remotely which is handy as this can be a difficult process. In addition, it is worth talking to FlashRouters if you're not sure whether your router is compatible. Also, FlashRouters sells pre-flashed routers, so if your router isn't compatible, the company will be able to sell you a router that is. See our Flashrouters review for more information.
For more info about Tomato routers (a kind of router firmware that is VPN compatible) take look at our best tomato routers page. For information on DD-WRT routers (another kind of router firmware that is compatible with VPNs) please read this best DD_WRT routers article.
Using a VPN on other Nintendo Consoles
A VPN connection isn't just a good option for Nintendo Switch users. If you have any other Nintendo console and would like to access more content online, a VPN is still a great idea. However, like the Switch, VPNs cannot be installed directly onto these consoles. Instead, you will need to use a VPN router, Smart DNS, or share your internet connection from your PC or Mac. The good news is that these methods are all pretty easy to set up.
Nintendo Switch and Wii U VPN
Much like other Nintendo devices, you cannot actually install a VPN directly onto a Nintendo Switch. This means that if you want to access region-locked content through your console – such as foreign Netflix libraries – you must use a VPN at the router level. However, doing so will give you the ability to mask any devices that access the internet through your home network.
Find out more about VPN routers, and if your router model is compatible with a VPN on our 5 best VPN routers guide.
Nintendo 3DS VPN
As is the case with a Switch, it is not possible to install a VPN directly on a 3DS. However, the good news is that if you connect to a VPN at the router level, all the devices in your home, including your 3DS, will benefit from the VPN connection. That includes the ability to pretend to be in a different country.
Public WiFi Privacy Using a VPN
The VPNs we have recommended in this article all permit their users to install the VPN on more than one device. This makes the VPN highly versatile and means that you can use it not just in your home with your Nintendo – but also on your tablet, laptop, and smartphone when you leave the house and use public WiFi hotspots. This will protect you against snooping WiFi providers, and hackers lurking on those networks.
Switch VPN Review: Conclusion
A VPN is the best way to pretend to be in a different country on your Nintendo devices. However, remember that a VPN for Switch, Wii U, and 3DS will need to be installed on your router. The VPNs we've selected in this guide have been chosen for just that reason – they're superbly compatible with routers.
If you don't currently have a router that is compatible with a VPN, then you'll need to get one. That's why our top choice, ExpressVPN, is such a great option! It sells a pre-flashed router that comes ready to connect to ExpressVPN right out of the box.
Having said that, all the VPNs for Nintendo in this guide have been carefully selected because they offer exactly what you need in terms of server locations, connection speeds, and privacy. With that in mind, you are free to select any of the Switch VPN services in this guide. The choice is up to you!