Nintendo Switch NAT Type D: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

February 24, 2026

If your Nintendo Switch shows NAT Type D, online play can feel broken: failed lobby joins, unstable voice chat, and disconnects in peer-to-peer sessions.

The short version: NAT Type D usually means your network is too restrictive for stable inbound peer connections.

What NAT Type D Means on Switch

Nintendo’s NAT grading (A, B, C, D, F) reflects how reachable your console is for peer connections.

  • A/B: usually fine for most online games
  • C: playable, but can hit matchmaking/party issues
  • D/F: highly restrictive, frequent connection failures

For most players, the practical goal is NAT Type B.

Most Common Reasons You Get NAT Type D

1) Double NAT

You have two routers doing NAT (for example: ISP modem-router + your own router).

2) CGNAT from ISP

Your ISP shares public IPv4 across many users, reducing inbound reachability.

3) Strict Router Firewall / No UPnP

If UPnP is off and no manual ports are open, Switch sessions often fail.

4) Guest Network / AP Isolation

Some Wi-Fi setups isolate clients and limit peer traffic patterns.

Step-by-Step Fix Plan (Highest Impact First)

Step 1: Confirm NAT Result in Switch Test

On Switch:

  1. System Settings
  2. Internet
  3. Test Connection
  4. Note NAT Type and download/upload results

Run this test after each change so you can verify which fix helped.

Step 2: Reduce to One NAT Layer

If possible:

  • Put ISP gateway in bridge mode, then let your main router handle NAT
  • Or place your router in gateway DMZ/IP Passthrough (if bridge mode unavailable)

Double NAT cleanup alone often improves D/C to B.

Step 3: Enable UPnP on Router

UPnP lets the Switch request temporary ports automatically.

  • Enable UPnP
  • Reboot router and Switch
  • Retest NAT Type

Step 4: Reserve a Static LAN IP for the Switch

Create a DHCP reservation in router settings, then reconnect Switch.

This keeps forwarding rules stable if you need manual tuning later.

Step 5: Use Manual Port Forwarding (If UPnP Fails)

Forward Nintendo-recommended ranges to your Switch LAN IP:

  • UDP: 1-65535 (some routers require narrowed ranges; test what your router supports)
  • TCP: 1-65535 (rarely needed in full range if UPnP works)

Important: full-range forwarding can increase exposure. Prefer UPnP first, and only forward what is necessary for your router/game behavior.

Step 6: Check ISP for CGNAT / Request Public IPv4

If you still get Type D after local router fixes, ask ISP:

  • Are you on CGNAT?
  • Can they provide a public IPv4 (dynamic or static add-on)?

Without public IPv4, many strict NAT symptoms persist.

Router Placement Tips That Help in Real Use

  • Prefer 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired USB LAN adapter for stability
  • Avoid chaining mesh nodes when troubleshooting (test near main router first)
  • Don’t stack multiple "gaming optimizer" features at once; change one thing, retest

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  • [ ] NAT test baseline recorded
  • [ ] One NAT layer only
  • [ ] UPnP enabled
  • [ ] Switch has DHCP reservation
  • [ ] Manual forwarding tested (if needed)
  • [ ] ISP CGNAT/public IPv4 confirmed

Related guides:

Bottom Line

NAT Type D on Switch is usually a network-path problem, not a console defect.

Work from topology first (one NAT layer), then automation (UPnP), then ISP constraints (CGNAT/public IPv4). In most home setups, that path gives the fastest route to NAT Type B and more reliable online play.