A smiling woman is looking at a Nintendo Switch in her hands. A big Nintendo Switch is behind and stars are around the woman.

Get a VPN for Nintendo Switch: breathe the wild and kart the Mario in safety and privacy

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Why should you use a VPN for Nintendo Switch?

Maintain safety on public Wi-Fi

There are security risks associated with public Wi-Fi, which VPNs help you avoid. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt your internet connection, turning anything you transmit between your device and the VPN server unreadable. So even if the snoops intercept anything, they won’t be able to use it. Also, a VPN encrypts your IP, helping prevent DDoS attacks.

Stay at home while traveling

The online world is full of services that are very particular about your geographical location. Who knows what apps may become unavailable once your Nintendo Switch crosses the border with you? But if you use a VPN and connect to a server in your home country, you can continue using your paid subscriptions.

Game past all the blocks

Using your Nintendo Switch for online gaming can be frustrating if local firewalls limit your access. Fortunately, a VPN connection can help bypass many of these restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted gaming.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

30-day money-back guarantee

You don’t have to commit immediately. When you purchase a subscription through our website, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can cancel within 30 days of starting your subscription and get your money back.

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How to use a VPN on Nintendo Switch

Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch doesn’t support VPN apps by itself. But you can use another device to share a VPN-protected connection! This requires sharing the internet connection over a VPN router, a mobile hotspot, or setting up a virtual router using Mac or Windows. Here’s how it goes:

Set up a VPN router

Subscribe to a VPN service.
Get a VPN router (or set up a VPN on your own compatible router).
Connect to the desired country.
Connect your Nintendo Switch to the Wi-Fi router.
Success!

Set up a mobile hotspot

Subscribe to a VPN service.
Get a VPN app for your Android, iPhone, or laptop.
Connect to the VPN server you like.
Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot feature (for phones, you may need to use mobile data).
Connect to that Wi-Fi hotspot on your Nintendo Switch.
Done!

Set up a Windows hotspot

Subscribe to a VPN.
Download and install the VPN app on your Windows.
Connect to a VPN server.
Go to Windows Settings and Network Connections.
Select Mobile Hotspot and turn it on.
Select Ethernet and click on Change Adapter Options.
Right-click on your VPN and choose the Properties tab.
Select Allow Other Network Users to Connect.
Select your Wi-Fi hotspot on Nintendo Switch.
Voila!

Set up a Mac hotspot

Subscribe to a VPN.
Download and install the VPN app on your Mac.
Connect to a server.
Connect your Switch via cable to your Mac.
Go to your Mac’s System Settings.
Type Sharing in the search bar and Select Internet Sharing.
Select Wi-Fi under Share your connection from.
Select your Nintendo under the To devices using
Turn on the Switch and go to the Home menu.
Go to Internet and Internet Settings and select your Mac’s network.

Additional Surfshark VPN features for Nintendo Switch

What is a VPN, if not a method, to enjoy gaming safely by rerouting your online data via a VPN server? Well, Surfshark VPN is many more things besides that:

Protect multiple devices

It’s not just your Nintendo Switch that needs internet privacy and protection. Luckily, Surfshark VPN is supported by all major platforms. You can also enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections — protect your home and hearth with VPN security!

Maintain uninterrupted protection with Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a Surfshark feature that disconnects you from the internet if the VPN’s encrypted connection drops. That way, there are no accidental leaks, and you’ll never game on Switch unprotected!

Use more than just the VPN

While our VPN is teeming with features, our package deals include extra security tools. Surfshark One customers get access to Surfshark Search, Antivirus, and identity theft protection kits. Kick it up a notch with Surfshark One+, and you’ll also get Incogni, a data removal service.

Download Surfshark on all devices

Surfshark is compatible with all major operating software so that you can enjoy safe surfing on all platforms.

Windows macOS Linux Android iOS Chrome Firefox Edge Apple TV FireTV

Surfshark works with smart TVs and even Raspberry Pi. You can even set up a VPN on your router to protect your entire network at once!

Can you use Surfshark on Nintendo Switch?

The console doesn’t support VPN apps, but you can share the VPN-protected connection from a router, a computer (a virtual router), or a phone.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a VPN for Nintendo Switch?

If you plan to use a Nintendo Switch on public Wi-Fi, you definitely need it to keep your data safe. It’s also a good idea to use Switch with a VPN at home to maintain online privacy and avoid local firewalls.

Can I use a free VPN for Switch?

You can, but free VPNs are inferior to premium VPNs. Not only do they offer fewer countries and servers, lower speeds, and/or data caps, but they are also usually less secure. Research data shows that free VPNs have been behind data leaks affecting millions of users. Premium VPNs have a much better track record. The only real upside of a free VPN is that it’s free.

Does Nintendo Switch support a VPN?

Nintendo Switch does not natively support a VPN connection. However, you can route your internet connection through a VPN-enabled router or use a VPN on a device that shares its internet connection with the Switch.

Can I use a VPN not only for Nintendo Switch?

Yes, similar to Xbox, PlayStation, and Oculus Quest, Nintendo Switch doesn’t support VPN functionality. Still, there are alternative methods to gaming and securing your online connection with a VPN at the same time.

Is Surfshark VPN best for Nintendo Switch?

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs in the market, considering that it has more than 3200+ VPN servers worldwide and plenty of handy features such as unlimited devices, NoBorders mode, and many more, and it comes at a relatively low price.

Can I create a Nintendo eShop account with a VPN in a different region?

Yes, you can use a VPN to create a Nintendo eShop account in a different region. However, you can also change a Nintendo eShop region without a VPN.