We are reader supported and sometimes earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

Best VPN Services for Nintendo Switch: Unleash Global Gaming

Are you looking to protect and enhance your Nintendo Switch’s online activities with a VPN? I’ll discuss the best VPNs for the Nintendo Switch and how to use a VPN with it.

At a Glance

The Nintendo Switch is an excellent home and portable console, allowing you to play your favorite games both at home and while you’re away.

There are several reasons you would want to use a VPN to protect and enhance your Switch-related online activities. You may be looking to access games and content that are only available in other regions. You also may want to prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth. And last but not least, you may be looking to protect yourself from SWATTING or DDoS attacks.

How Can a VPN Help Me on My Nintendo Switch?

A VPN offers several advantages for Nintendo Switch users.

First of all, a VPN can temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your Nintendo Switch. Since each country is assigned a different range of IP addresses for use by its citizens, by assigning an IP address located in a particular country, you will gain access to content that is usually reserved for users in that country.

Secondly, a VPN encrypts your internet connection, encasing it in a virtual tunnel of encryption, hiding your online activities from anyone attempting to monitor your online activities. This feature helps prevent your Internet Service Provider from throttling your internet connection just because you’re gaming.

It should be noted that there are currently no VPN apps available for the Nintendo Switch platform, so you must use a router configured to work with a VPN to protect your Switch-based online activities.

I have thoroughly tested several top VPN providers and I have determined the six best VPNs for your Nintendo Switch.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR NINTENDO SWITCH RISK-FREE?

NordVPN offers a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. There are no hidden catches or gotchas. If you find that NordVPN doesn’t fit your needs, you can contact the provider before the 30-day free trial expires and they’ll give you a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch

Based on all of my testing and the research I’ve done (yes, that included playing games – the things I put myself through for my readers), I’ve determined that the following VPNs are players’ best bets when it comes to protecting and enhancing their online Nintendo Switch activities.

The best VPNs for Nintendo Switch:

  1. NordVPN: Top VPN for Nintendo Switch. If you’re looking for the best VPN for your Nintendo Switch, look no further. NordVPN has a large global server network that provides fast, well-protected and gaming-ready connections. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Nintendo Switch. This provider is a great option for Switch owners who would rather save their money for games. In addition to a budget price, the provider offers fast connections, top-notch access to content, comprehensive online protection, and more.
  3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for Nintendo Switch. This admittedly expensive VPN provider scores well in numerous categories, including global server coverage, connection speeds, and online protection.
  4. CyberGhost: Best option for rookie VPN users. CyberGhost is a good choice for those Nintendo Switch owners who are new to the world of VPNs. The provider’s intuitive VPN apps provide one-click access to well-protected, fast connections.
  5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to Nintendo Switch content. PIA provides reliable, well-protected access to Nintendo Switch content, as well as other content from around most of the globe.
  6. PrivateVPN: Mighty-Mite VPN. While this provider may sport a rather small global server network, it offers reliable and well-protected access to content in the countries it serves.

How to Choose the Right VPN for Your Nintendo Switch

When it came to putting these VPNs through their paces, I considered the following:

  • Router support
  • Global server network
  • Connection speeds
  • Online security and privacy protections
  • Customer support offerings

Best VPNs for Nintendo Switch – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Nintendo Switch

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivate Internet AccessPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberGhost.comPrivate Internet Access.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Nintendo Switch123456
Streaming reliabilityExcellentExcellentExcellentGoodGoodGood
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps73 Mbps39 Mbps
Total number of servers5,5953,2003,0009,073146200+
Activity logs SomeNo identifying dataNo identifying data
Best deal (per month)$3.39
Up to 72% off
$1.99
87% off a 2yr Starter plan + 3 FREE mo
$4.99
61% off plus 4 months Free!
$2.19
SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free
$2.19
Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free
$2.00
Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free

Below you’ll find the best VPNs for Nintendo Switch.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Apr 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the #1 VPN for your Nintendo Switch. The provider offers fast download speeds, as well as comprehensive online protection.

The provider has 5,700+ servers in 60+ countries across the globe, providing access to Switch content in many different regions, including that offered by streaming services.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are easily up to handling fast-moving games and other popular online activities.

The provider’s comprehensive privacy and security features keep you protected with military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. When you’re using other devices, you can benefit from the provider’s ad and malware-blocking features.

NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy means there is no evidence to be had of your online activities, and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as a more private subscription payment method.

Its owned-and-operated servers mean outside contractors are being kept away from your personal information. All NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from NordVPN servers when they’re rebooted or powered off.

Nintendo Switch owners can take advantage of this provider’s comprehensive router compatibility to protect their Switch anytime it connects to their WiFi.

You can also protect other popular connected devices, thanks to the provider’s comprehensive app support for Linux, macOS (with native Apple silicon support), iOS, Android, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your web browsing.

Up to six devices can be concurrently connected to the provider’s servers on a single account.

NordVPN customer support options include always available live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Fast, gaming-capable speeds
  • Servers around the globe
  • Comprehensive router compatibility
  • Excellent security and privacy protections
  • Runs servers 100% from RAM

Cons:

  • No specialized servers

BEST VPN FOR NINTENDO SWITCH:NordVPN is my top pick for a VPN to protect and enhance your Nintendo Switch-related online activities. NordVPN’s fast and well-protected connections can easily keep up with your favorite gaming action, while keeping all of your activities incognito. A no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN Coupon
Up to 72% off
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is an excellent option for gamers who would rather save their money for games and in-game content.

With 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark boasts the largest global server network of any VPN on this list. This provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in most areas of the globe.

Surfshark’s speedy connections are never restricted with data caps or bandwidth limitations, making it a great option for online gaming and streaming video.

This VPN’s military-grade encryption, along with a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention keeps your internet travels undercover. Ad and tracking blocking, as well as malware and phishing protection, are also available.

Surfshark servers save no usage logs, and its payment options are cryptocurrency-friendly. Plus, the provider now runs all of its servers solely from RAM, meaning all data is wiped when a server is shut down or powered off.

The provider’s support for select router makes and models mean you can automatically protect your Switch by connecting to your WiFi network.

Surfshark offers native app support for Linux, iOS, Android, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Edge, Firefox, and Chrome browsers are also available.

Users can simultaneously connect an unlimited number of devices to Surfshark’s servers, thanks to its unlimited connections policy.

VPN-related questions can be answered via 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

Pros:

  • Access to 100+ countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Champagne service for a beer bottle price
  • Runs all servers solely from RAM

Cons:

  • Some features carry an added cost

BEST VPN FOR SWITCHERS ON A BUDGET:Users who would rather spend their money on the latest gaming franchise will appreciate Surfshark’s bargain basement pricing. The provider offers comprehensive privacy and security protection, fast connections, and an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

Surfshark Coupon
87% off a 2yr Starter plan + 3 FREE mo
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN’s premium VPN service admittedly comes at a higher price than others on this list. That said, the provider should prove to be attractive to many Nintendo Switch users.

Its global server network boasts more than 3,000 servers in over 94 countries around the globe. The provider has a strong ability to open the gate to geo-fenced content.

ExpressVPN also scores well in the connection speeds department, providing gaming-capable connections. You can game, share files, and stream with no worries over data caps or throttled bandwidth.

Your ExpressVPN connection is well-protected with government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6/DNS leak prevention.

Your privacy is protected also, thanks to ExpressVPN’s strict no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

ExpressVPN was one of the first VPN providers to begin running all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a physical hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is wiped from any of the provider’s servers whenever it is shut down or rebooted.

The provider offers extensive router compatibility, even offering custom firmware for select router makes and models.

ExpressVPN offers native app support for Linux, Android, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Chromebook, and Amazon Fire devices. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, and Firefox browser extensions will protect your browsing sessions.

Monthly subscribers can simultaneously connect up to five devices to ExpressVPN servers, while long-term subscribers are allowed to make up to eight simultaneous connections.

Customer support is always available, thanks to live chat, email, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.

Pros:

  • One-click access to servers around the globe
  • Extensive router support
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy
  • Fast, gaming-ready connections

Cons:

  • More expensive than other providers
  • Limited to five simultaneous connections on monthly subs

PREMIUM VPN PROTECTION:ExpressVPN performs well in several gaming-related VPN categories, with fast connection speeds, comprehensive online protection, excellent router compatibility, and much more. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Coupon
61% off plus 4 months Free!
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

If you have little to no experience with VPN apps, CyberGhost could be the VPN provider for you.

CyberGhost has excellent global server coverage, with 9,100+ servers in 90+ countries that offer access to geo-controlled content in most areas of the world.

The provider’s connection speeds are quite impressive, ensuring an excellent gaming experience, even for fast-moving online games. There are no bandwidth limitations or data caps to deal with here.

All CyberGhost-provided connections are protected with military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IPv6/DNS leak prevention. The provider has the ability to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages (when available), while also blocking ads, malicious websites, and online trackers.

The provider also protects your privacy, via its no-server-logs-ever policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option.

CyberGhost is compatible with several router makes and models. It also performs well when it comes to app support, offering easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. Meanwhile, Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are available to protect your browsing.

CyberGhost customer support is always available, via its 24/7 live chat, a support ticket system, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Impressive global server network
  • Comprehensive connection protection
  • Superb router protection

Cons:

  • Not many advanced options
  • No dependable access in China

BEST VPN FOR NEWBIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost is an excellent option for first-time VPN users. CyberGhost’s fast connection speeds and comprehensive privacy and security protections keep your online antics fun, as well as undercover. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

CyberGhost Coupon
SAVE up to 83% off 2 year plan + 2 months free
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.privateinternetaccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts a good-sized network, excellent router compatibility, and well-protected access to geo-fenced content.

PIA has 3,300+ servers stationed in 84+ countries around the globe. This impressive network provides reliable access to content housed in the majority of countries.

All PIA-provided connections are protected using banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider’s services include the blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and malicious websites.

PIA servers are run totally user log-free, so there are no records kept of your online antics. Plus, a handy Bitcoin subscription payment option means your payment information is kept private. PIA has also joined several other VPN providers in running its servers solely from RAM, saving no data to a physical hard drive or SSD.

In addition to being compatible with select router makes and models, the provider’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows devices. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

There are no limits on the number of simultaneous connections that PIA customers can make to its servers.

PIA’s connection speeds, while the second slowest on this list, can still easily handle most popular online pastimes. There are no data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about when using this VPN.

PIA’s support options include live agent chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a support library.

Pros:

  • Large global server network
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy
  • Support for select routers

Cons:

  • Has issues working in restrictive countries
  • Some support library entries need an update

RELIABLE ACCESS TO ONLINE CONTENT:Private Internet Access offers excellent router support, while also boasting a large global server network, comprehensive privacy and security protections, and more. Customers can simultaneously connect as many devices as they’d like to the provider’s servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

Private Internet Access Coupon
Save 82% on a 2 year plan + Get 2 months free
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

While PrivateVPN may be lacking in a few VPN service areas, the provider is still a valid choice for your Nintendo Switch.

PrivateVPN’s global server coverage includes 200+ servers stationed in 63+ countries. While it has a rather small global server network, PrivateVPN offers reliable protected access to geo-fenced content when it does have servers.

The provider’s connection speeds are admittedly the slowest on this list. However, they’re still up to handling fast-moving games.

PrivateVPN doesn’t lag in the protection category, thanks to its use of military-grade encryption, IPv6/DNS leak protection, and a “Stealth VPN” feature that hides your VPN traffic by disguising it as normal browser activity.

The provider offers comprehensive privacy protections, following a strict no-logs policy and accepting Bitcoin as a subscription payment.

The provider can be manually configured on select routers, and it also offers limited native app support (for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices). Linux devices can also be manually set up to work with PrivateVPN. However, there are no browser extensions.

You can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices on a single account.

While PrivateVPN doesn’t offer live chat, it does respond quickly to questions. The support department also responds to emailed questions, and an FAQ section is also available.

Pros:

  • Stealth VPN feature hides your VPN activity
  • Up to 10 devices can be connected at once
  • Compatible with several routers

Cons:

  • Global server coverage could stand an ante
  • Lacks 24/7 customer support chat

ADVANCED VPN FOR NINTENDO SWITCH:PrivateVPN offers advanced protection for Switch owners. While the provider admittedly has a small global server network, it provides comprehensive online enhancement and protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a 12 month plan + 24-mo/free
Get Deal ›
Coupon applied automatically

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Nintendo Switch

There are several features to consider when researching VPNs for use with your Nintendo Switch.

The list below includes some of the features I researched when deciding on which VPN providers to include in this article.

  • Connection speeds: A fast internet connection is your best friend, especially when it comes to gaming, something the Nintendo Switch does quite well. The VPNs on my list all provide gaming-ready connections.
  • Global server network: The larger your VPN’s global server network, the better access it provides to geo-fenced content in other countries. Also, look for multiple servers in each country, as that helps to prevent a single server from being hit with too many users at once.
  • Value: A VPN provider’s true value can be calculated by comparing its asking price to the features it offers. Every VPN on my list offers an excellent value.
  • Ease of use: It’s likely that many of my readers own more than one connected device. This makes a provider’s native app support quite important. The VPNs on this list offer intuitive apps for most popular devices.
  • Security and privacy: VPN providers should protect your internet connection with banking-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IP leak prevention. A strict no-logs policy is also a must-have.
  • Streaming: Many gamers are also movie and film fans, making it important for a VPN to provide reliable access to streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others.

The features in the list above include just a bit of what I research as part of my VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach offers a better understanding of each VPN provider, so I can recommend only the VPNs that best fit my readers’ needs.

How to Use a VPN for Nintendo Switch

If you’re looking to use a VPN to protect and enhance your Nintendo Switch-related online activities, all you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions listed below.

I’ll be using NordVPN as an example, but the process you’ll follow will be similar for all of the VPN providers in this article.

How to install and use a VPN for Nintendo Switch:

  1. Sign up for NordVPN, our top VPN provider. Alternatively, Surfshark or ExpressVPN are also excellent options.
  2. Configure your WiFi router to connect to the VPN provider’s servers. You’ll find instructions about how to do this on each VPN provider’s website. (You can also purchase a pre-configured VPN router from Flashrouter.com or other vendors.)
  3. Once configured, enable the router-to-VPN connection.
  4. Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced Nintendo Switch gaming!

Nintendo Switch VPN FAQs

Why Is Access to Nintendo Switch Games Limited Geographically?

Access to Nintendo Switch gaming content has to be geographically controlled for reasons similar to why streaming services geographically control access to their films and television shows.

Game publishers sign contracts with distributors, allowing the company to sell their games and downloadable content in a specified region of the world. These contracts limit the areas when and where certain games and content can be sold.

This means that some games and content may not be accessible in all of the countries where the Nintendo Switch is sold and used. This is where a VPN comes in handy, as it can make it appear as if you are connecting from another country, opening up access to content in that country.

How Is Content Geographically Blocked?

Every time a device (like your Nintendo Switch) connects to the internet, it’s assigned an IP address.

An IP address allows other devices on the internet to identify where a data request originated and where the responding data should be sent. This is much like how a mailing address works when sending and receiving snail mail.

Also, much like a mailing address, your IP address reveals your geographical location, as each country is assigned a range of IP addresses for use from inside their borders.

Because of this, online sites and services use your local IP address to decide whether or not to grant you access to their content.

What Else Can a VPN Do for Me?

A VPN’s services are not limited to providing access to gaming content. VPNs offer several other features, making it an important tool in your online toolkit.

A VPN also encrypts your internet connection, allowing it to hide your online activities from prying eyes, including those of hackers, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and any other interested parties.

An encrypted connection also helps to prevent your ISP from throttling your connection speeds simply because you’re engaging in activities it doesn’t approve of, such as streaming from certain sources or even gaming.

Why Can’t I Use a Free VPN Provider With My Nintendo Switch?

Using a free VPN provider is always a bad idea. First off, free VPNs usually do not offer the ability to use a router with their free services. Since you need to configure your router to use a VPN to protect your Switch, this is an important con.

Some free Virtual Private Networks will make you cool your heels in a virtual waiting room before allowing you to connect to their servers. Once you’re finally given the green light to connect, you’ll likely find that you only have a limited number of servers to connect to, and that’s if you’re not automatically assigned to a server of the provider’s choice.

Plus, even freebie VPNs need to pay their power bill. This means that many free VPNs monitor and log their users’ internet activities, selling it to advertisers and other nosy parties. Plus, some free VPN providers will even insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions.

Last but certainly not least, free VPNs will throttle your connection speeds and impose daily or monthly data caps on your VPN usage. This means you run the risk of having your VPN connection disconnected in the middle of an online battle.

Conclusion

Nintendo Switch users will find that NordVPN provides top-notch protection and enhancement for their online activities, including gaming and streaming.

NordVPN not only provides reliable access to geo-restricted content, but it also keeps your online activities undercover thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption and other security features. The provider’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around, and its customer support and multi-platform support equal the best in the VPN industry.

For more information or to subscribe to NordVPN, visit their website.

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

Leave a Comment